ESPN Analyst Boldly Compares Mississippi State QB to Heisman Trophy Favorite

Michael Van Buren's debut season in Starkville is getting noticed by the national media.

Oct 19, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. (0) throws a pass against the Texas A&M Aggies during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

ESPN's Tom Luginbill is one of the country's foremost authorities on not just college football but also high school recruiting.

On this week's College Football Live segment revealing the top true freshmen of the week, Luginbill compared Mississippi State's Michael Van Buren Jr. to one of this year's Heisman Trophy frontrunners.

"Michael Van Buren is a right-handed Dillon Gabriel," said Luginbill during the broadcast. "I believe that's what he's going to develop into. Now, I understand Mississippi State is struggling right now, but he's played really well, and he's a foundational block; 309 yards, three touchdowns, 22-of-31 last week versus Arkansas. He just keeps getting better and better, and when they get better around him, look out."

Mississippi State true freshman QB Michael Van Buren in his first three collegiate career starts (at No. 1 Texas, at No. 5 Georgia and vs. No. 14 Texas A&M):

🔥 692 yards through the air
🙌 7 total TDs (6 passing to just two INTs)

We have our guy 🎯 pic.twitter.com/gLm6Deqzgi

— Tru Maroon Nation (@TruMaroonNation) October 20, 2024

For context, Gabriel is the quarterback of top-ranked Oregon and he's on the short list of Heisman favorites entering the final month of the regular season.

Gabriel, whose career includes stops at UCF and Oklahoma, is also one of the most prolific passers in college football history.

Dillon Gabriel CONTINUES to climb up the ladder. 📈 #B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/ESOvr0KOSJ

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) October 29, 2024

Of course, Van Buren has a long way to go before matching what Gabriel has done at this level. Still, it's encouraging that an analyst of Luginbill's caliber and experience recognizes how quickly MVB has developed in his four starts, and more importantly where he might be headed in Starkville.

The Bulldogs host Massachusetts Saturday in Van Buren's first chance this season to supercharge his growth against a non-SEC defense.

Mississippi State's Michael Van Buren Jr. Shines as Top Week 9 QB

Mississippi State vs. UMass: Bulldogs Defense Faces Dual-Threat QB Test Again