​STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball signee Landon Brown confirmed to the Clarion Ledger on July 12 during the 2026 MLB Draft that he will wear Bulldog blue instead of pursuing a professional contract. The right-handed pitcher from Rosharon, Texas, was ranked as the 77th-best prospect in MLB.com’s rankings. Brown excelled on the diamond for Iowa Colony, contributing both on the mound and at corner infield positions, and he helped his team earn Brazoria County Player of the Year honors.
Brown will not be eligible to re-enter the MLB Draft again until 2029. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing about 210 pounds, he brings a fastball that can reach 98 mph and features a four-pitch mix that also includes a slider, a cutter, and a splitter.
During the 2026 season, Brown is pictured with Mississippi State head coach Brian O’Connor conversing with umpires and Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco before a college game at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Mississippi, on April 28, 2026. In that contest, Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss 7-3 to capture the Governor’s Cup.
Brown originally committed to Mississ ippi State in 2024 under former coach Chris Lemonis. His decision to join MSU makes him the third high school draft prospect to opt for college baseball over turning pro. Earlier, shortstop Noah Danza withdrew from the MLB Draft before it commenced, and pitcher Denton Lord announced after the fifth round that he would enroll at Mississippi State. In addition, Mississippi State boasted three signees who were drafted within the first 10 rounds: shortstop Rocco Maniscalco, catcher Will Brick, and outfielder Martin Shelar.
For context beyond Brown’s decision, Mississippi State has seen notable stories in recent years, including the program’s continued pursuit of excellence and the success of alumni in various endeavors. The Bulldogs have a history of attracting top talent who balance immediate professional opportunities with the chance to develop further in college baseball, aiming to maximize long-term potential and enjoy competitive play at the NCAA level.
This report comes from Sam Sklar, the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at ssklar@usatodayco.com, and he follows the team on X (Twitter) at @sklarsam_. The original Mississippi Clarion Ledger piece highlighted Brown’s withdrawal from the 2026 MLB Draft to pursue collegiate play with Mississippi State, aligning with the program’s ongoing strategy to recruit high-impact players who can contribute to the team’s success on the field and in regional and national competition.
Note: The information presented reflects Brown’s stated choice to attend Mississippi State instead of signing a professional contract, his physical profile, and the context of MSU’s draft-related signings and commitments as reported during the 2026 MLB Draft period.