Big news out of Starkville on Friday as Penn State graduate transfer quarterback Tommy Stevens announced he will finish his collegiate career at Mississippi State. This move reunites the former PSU signal caller with Joe Moorhead, who was Penn State’s offensive coordinator before landing the head coaching position in Starkville.

In limited duty, the 6-foot-5, 240-pound Stevens has completed 24 of his 41 career passing attempts for 304 yards and four touchdowns. In addition to his passing figures, he has rushed for 506 yards and eight scores. He has also caught 14 passes for 62 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Mississippi State has announced that it has already received Stevens’ signed financial aid agreement. In addition to that news, Moorhead offered up the following comment on adding the fifth-year senior to MSU’s QB room:

“We look forward to Tommy joining our team and completing his final year of eligibility as a Mississippi State Bulldog. Tommy is very talented and will be an excellent addition to our roster. He will have the opportunity to compete at quarterback this season. With nearly 100 days until kickoff, we are excited about our summer preparations as we continue to build a program that will make Mississippi State fans proud.”

Following the news, a few Mississippi State players have sent out mixed responses, with some supporting the move and others seemingly questioning the move.

Running back Kylin Hill

Linebacker Erroll Thompson

Linebacker Willie Gay

https://twitter.com/WillieGayJr/status/1129412515459403777

If Gay’s response is indeed in reaction to Stevens’ addition, it proves that some members of the Mississippi State roster are firmly behind Keytaon Thompson, the team’s junior quarterback. In his limited appearances, Thompson has proven to be one of the SEC’s best, if not the best, backup quarterback in recent seasons. It’s hard to imagine Stevens picked Mississippi State without being given an indication that he will be given an opportunity to start next season.

Either way, the offseason QB competition in Starkville just got way more interesting.