Mississippi State has picked up its first commitment in the Class of 2025. AJ Rice announced his verbal pledge to the Bulldogs on Monday.

Rice, from Alabama, took to social media to share the big news.

A Madison Academy standout, Rice is listed as measuring 6-2, 240 pounds. He is rated 3-stars, the No. 22 recruit in the state of Alabama and No. 44 linebacker in the Class of 2025 by 247Sports. Rice has scholarship offers from 7 other schools, including South Carolina, Georgia Tech and Cincinnati.

MSU built a relationship with Rice early in the process. He received a camp invitation from the staff in June 2022 and returned last fall for the Bulldogs’ game against Bowling Green. After the game visit, Mississippi State became the first program to extend a scholarship offer to Rice.

The Hail State faithful can get a preview of what Rice brings to Starkvegas by checking out his recent highlights below, via Hudl: