Jalen Smith Looking To Make Noise In Maroon
August 05, 2025 | Football, Joel Coleman
Georgia native Bulldog linebacker sees Mississippi as a second home.
STARKVILLE – Take a look at Jalen Smith's online bio. You'll notice the Mississippi State linebacker is a Georgia native who played the last two seasons at Tennessee. What the words on the screen won't tell you is this: his Mississippi roots are strong.
"This is kind of like a second home for me," Smith explained. "I was over here a bunch growing up, seeing relatives. I even got some training sessions in on some back roads and running up hills. It was fun."
In a way, it's as though Smith was meant to wear Maroon. His father is from Tylertown. Smith has also had grandparents and other relatives – from both sides of his family – that call or called Mississippi home.
"I enjoy representing them and I'm enjoying myself here," Smith said. "I'm loving it."
For Bulldogs everywhere, the feeling should soon be mutual as Smith shows what he can do in Starkville. He's young, but experienced. He's learning, but also proven.
Smith has already made a splash in the Southeastern Conference and is eyeing making even more noise now that he's at State. Others certainly believe it can happen. He was recently named to the Butkus Award watch list. The accolade is given annually to the nation's top linebacker.
"I'm somebody that's going to work and compete every single Saturday and every single practice day," Smith said. "I want to make sure that I'm also leading the right way. Some guys are older than me, but I want to lead as well. I want to lead us in the right direction and be a part of a group here at Mississippi State that's going to come out fighting every time we're on the field."
The last two seasons have certainly prepared Smith for this moment. After getting his college football feet wet with five games in a redshirt season at Tennessee in 2023, Smith was thrown into the fire with the Volunteers last season.
He responded by becoming a key piece of the Vols' College Football Playoff team. Smith finished the year with 34 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, earning an SEC All-Freshman Team honor in the process.
Following the season, Smith was looking for a new opportunity. Past relationships – both from his own bloodline and otherwise – led Smith to the Magnolia State.
"My family is from here, and I knew [defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler] from being recruited when I was in high school," Smith said. "He's just a great guy and a great coach, and he gave me this opportunity.
"This was just the right staff for me. Both Coach Hutzler and [head coach Jeff Lebby] are great guys, and I'm grateful to Coach Lebby for letting me be a part of his team. This was the right decision for me."
Smith is driven to make his arrival the right call for all involved. He, along with the other newcomers and returners on the State defense, are determined to make their side of the football a strength for the Dawgs.
"Everybody is striving for a winning season," Smith said. "Everybody's hungry for that. You can see it in everyone's eyes and how they work. I know I definitely have a chip on my shoulder coming into this program and wanting to be a part of it and contributing to it."
Once Smith starts getting a few tackles under his belt, Mississippi is sure to feel more like a home than ever.
"I'm so excited to hear those cowbells and see what it's like on a game day inside our stadium," Smith said. "I can't wait."
