Baton Rouge Buzz: A Fresh Face Joins LSU’s QB Squad!
In a move that’s sure to shake things up in college football, former Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. announced on social media this past Sunday that he’ll be taking his talents to LSU. This decision comes as the young athlete looks to make a splash in the competitive waters of the Southeastern Conference with three years of eligibility still left to showcase his skills.
Now, let’s take a peek at what got this 6-foot-1, 200-pound player into the spotlight. Van Buren had quite the journey at Mississippi State, where he stepped in as a true freshman following the season-ending injury to starter Blake Shapen during the fourth game against Florida on September 21. Even though the Bulldogs had a rough season with a record of 2-10, Van Buren showed he can hang with the big boys, making eight starts and playing in ten games in total.
During his inaugural season in college football, he completed 140 of 256 passes, totaling 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. On the ground game, he also exhibited some serious footwork, racking up an impressive five rushing touchdowns. Despite the challenges his team faced this season, Van Buren remains optimistic, posting a heartfelt message of gratitude on social media. He thanked coach Jeff Lebby, his staff, his teammates, and even professors for being part of his journey thus far.
The Road Ahead
So why LSU, you ask? Well, LSU’s quarterback room is already bustling with talent. Starter Garrett Nussmeier has announced his intention to return, and there’s also AJ Swann, who transferred over from Vanderbilt. With absent players such as the top-ranked quarterback prospect Bryce Underwood switching his commitment to Michigan, LSU will be keen to fortify their quarterback lineup. Van Buren’s arrival might just be the spark they need, especially as he brings his experience and youthful energy to the mix.
Shapen, who Van Buren replaced mid-season, is also planning to return for one last hurrah as a sixth-year senior in 2025. This might set up an intriguing competition as everyone is gearing up for what’s shaping to be a vibrant season ahead.
A Changing Landscape
Van Buren’s transfer is part of a broader trend in collegiate sports, where athletes are constantly weighing opportunities at different schools to secure the best possible path for their careers. Just a day earlier, Daniel Kaelin, a former Nebraska quarterback, made waves by announcing his commitment to Virginia. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound freshman had redshirted this past season and found himself on the depth chart behind two other quarterbacks. As a result, he decided that making a move to Virginia could offer him a fresh start and more opportunities to shine.
As the dust settles from this whirlwind of transfers, one thing is for certain: the upcoming seasons are going to be filled with exciting developments. College football fans are in for a show as players like Van Buren step onto new fields ready to etch their names in history. Here’s hoping for an electrifying journey at LSU, where the challenges will be plenty, but the rewards could be even greater!
Stay tuned as we keep our eyes on how Van Buren’s transition pans out and what other surprises college football might have in store!
