Shasta College’s Matthew Lefeau Signs with Mississippi State Bulldogs

REDDING, CA  – Shasta College football standout Matthew Lefeau, a 6-foot-5, 345-pound offensive lineman from Tacoma, Wash., has signed a national letter of intent to play for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Lefeau’s hard work and determination earned him national recognition during the 2024 season. He finished as a two-time All-Conference selection and received both All-State and All-Region honors. ESPN ranks Lefeau as the No. 1 offensive lineman in the nation, the No. 3 overall player in California, and the No. 18 junior college prospect in the country.

Raised by his mother, Delsa Lefeau-Rivas, and stepfather, Alejandro Rivas, Lefeau overcame academic struggles in high school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Turning down scholarship offers from other junior colleges; he chose Shasta College for its supportive community and connection to his Polynesian culture.

After enduring a challenging first season with the Knights, Lefeau committed to improvement, transforming his body through relentless work in the weight room, excelling academically, and emerging as a team leader.

“We are incredibly extremely excited for Matthew and the opportunity to play for Missouri State at the highest level of our sport,” said Bryon Hamilton, Shasta College Head Football Coach. “He’s got the size, speed and he’s tenacious. Ultimately this is what we’re here for—to give young men like Matthew a chance to use Shasta College as a platform to move on from with a strong foundation which will help cement their future successes.”

Daniel Lewis, Offensive Line Coach, reflected on Matthew’s journey “As soon as Matthew set up on that line everything just worked. It’s what you’re always looking for in a player. His success today is a tribute to him showing up every day, working out hard, and representing his city, his family and our area greatly. He did it right, and it’s rewarding to see that being recognized with this achievement.”

Lefeau ultimately chose Mississippi State after a rigorous recruiting process, drawn to the program’s family-oriented culture and its commitment to valuing him as both a player and a person. A quiet, humble person by nature, Matthew had this to say about his time at Shasta College, and his selection of Mississippi State, “Probably one of the best decisions I made was to come to Shasta College. I wasn’t physically or academically ready so I owe the coaching staff at Shasta for getting me ready during my two years here. Coach Lebby and their whole coaching staff with Mississippi State, reminds me of the coaching staff that we got here at Shasta college. You know, supportive of the whole person, my goals, and academic plans.”

For more information, please contact Shasta College Athletics at (530) 242-7591.