This article has been updated with additional information.

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – After entering the transfer portal earlier this month, former Mississippi State quarterback Chris Parson has announced his commitment to play for Clarksville’s hometown team, the Austin Peay State University Governors.

ESPN College Football Senior Writer Pete Thamel broke the news on X, formally known as Twitter, early Wednesday morning and said Parson visited with a number of FBS schools before signing with Austin Peay. Austin Peay football then confirmed the signing of the former 4-star recruit out of Ravenwood High School in Tennessee.

The redshirt freshmen played limited snaps while at Mississippi State over the past two years. However, during his true freshmen season in 2023, he earned All-SEC Freshmen Team honors while only playing in two games. According to Mississippi State athletics, during that season, Parson became just the fifth true freshman quarterback in the SEC to start a regular season game since 2021.

Coming out of high school, 247Sports had Parson rated as a three-star prospect with a four-star composite rating, according to Mississippi State athletics. He was also rated as the No. 30 quarterback by 247 Sports.

Meanwhile, On3 had Parson rated as the 12th best-rated prospect in the state of Tennessee.

Creating competition at every position

Austin Peay head football coach Jeff Faris told Clarksville Now his staff has done an unbelievable job adding to their roster through the transfer portal and through the addition of their high school prospects this off-season. Faris added that his staff is looking to create competition at every position, which includes his quarterback room. Faris made it clear each quarterback on their roster will be given the chance to earn the starting job as the buildup to the 2025-26 season continues.

When asked about his program’s ability to out recruit FBS schools, he said, “When you step on campus it just feels different. I think the commitment from the administration, the coaching staff, the fanbase, all of those things, guys can feel it when they visit … I think Austin Peay State University sells itself. When you step on campus and meet student-athletes, they’re happy and they love this place. That’s contagious.”

Faris then said Austin Peay football has a great core nucleus of returning players on the team, but he’s also excited what this recruiting class can bring to the table. However, he said the Governors aren’t done yet, as they are currently visiting with four additional recruits.

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