STARKVILLE, Miss. – As the 2025-26 college basketball season tips off, a palpable buzz is growing inside Humphrey Coliseum. Much of that anticipation is centered on a massive new presence in the paint for Mississippi State: 6-foot-10 freshman center, Tee Bartlett.
A four-star, top-100 prospect from the 2025 recruiting class, Bartlett arrives in Starkville as one of the most significant signings for head coach Chris Jans. But it’s not just his reputation that’s making headlines—it’s his remarkable physical transformation and professional mindset before ever playing an official game.
Bartlett, who built a national reputation at Overtime Elite in Atlanta, reported to campus in August with a frame that was both his greatest asset and his biggest challenge. Tipping the scales near 290 pounds, the Los Angeles native was a throwback, a wide-bodied post player with imposing strength.
However, the speed and rigor of the Southeastern Conference demand elite conditioning. Recognizing this, Bartlett and the Bulldogs’ strength staff got to work immediately.
In just a few short months, Bartlett has dedicated himself to reshaping his body. Recent reports confirm the freshman has already shed approximately 30 pounds, a testament to his work ethic and buy-in to the program’s standards.
“When I first got here I knew it was going to be kind of a hard time, because I was a little behind,” Bartlett told reporters recently. “But me already losing about 30 pounds already, since August… they’re pushing me.”
That push is exactly what Coach Jans and his staff were counting on. While Bartlett did not participate in the team’s recent exhibition game against Houston, the move was seen as a strategic decision to continue his conditioning rather than a setback. The goal is to have him ready for the long haul of SEC play.
Bartlett’s commitment has not gone unnoticed by his teammates or his coaches.
“Coach is always telling me how much they need me and want me to play,” Bartlett said. “So I keep getting in way more better shape.”
He is already testing his new physique in high-level practices, often matching up against seasoned graduate transfer Quincy Ballard.
“The competition has been good. I’m not really used to going against a lot of older guys,” Bartlett noted. “It’s getting me better… I feel I have to prove myself every day against him, and he keeps pushing me to the max.”
This accelerated development is crucial for a Mississippi State team looking to make noise both in the conference and nationally. Bartlett isn’t just a space-eater; he’s a skilled offensive player.
His praises have been sung aloud by analyst recruiters as an immovable object in the post. Surely, his good hands combined with strong footwork, along with advanced skills in passing out of double teams, would speak volumes. He also has a soft touch for finishing at the rim, and the strength to finish through contact-a skill set increasingly rare within the modern perimeter-oriented game.
His time at Overtime Elite prepared him for a professional environment, but the transition to the SEC is another level. Bartlett, who chose the Bulldogs over offers from USC, Illinois, Miami, and Washington, seems hyper-focused on the task at hand.
“To be honest I came here to go to the league, I came here to get right,” Bartlett stated. “I’m so focused on getting my body right I don’t even have time to explore outside. I’m always in the gym.”
As the Bulldogs begin their season, the question is not if Bartlett will contribute, but how quickly his impact will be felt. He joins a talented freshman class, but his unique size makes him an immediate X-factor.
While coaches remain patient, Bartlett himself is not. He is eager to prove that his transformation is complete and that he is ready to be a dominant force for the Maroon and White.
“I feel like we’re going to be really good,” he said of his team. When asked about his own readiness, his confidence was clear.
“So you’re going to see me out there for sure.”
People Also Ask
What team does Tee Bartlett play for?
Tee Bartlett is a freshman center for the Mississippi State University (MSU) Bulldogs men’s basketball team for the 2025-2026 season.
What is Tee Bartlett’s position?
Tee Bartlett is a center, known for his large frame and strong physical presence in the post.
How tall is Tee Bartlett?
Tee Bartlett is listed as 6-foot-10 (sometimes 6-foot-11) by most recruiting services and by the university.
What class is Tee Bartlett?
He is a true freshman in the 2025-2026 college basketball season, having been part of the 2025 recruiting class.
Where did Tee Bartlett play high school basketball?
Bartlett played for the highly competitive Overtime Elite (OTE) program in Atlanta, Georgia. He is originally from Los Angeles, California.
Was Tee Bartlett a highly-rated recruit?
Yes, Tee Bartlett was widely considered a four-star prospect and a top-100 recruit nationally in the 2025 class.
How much does Tee Bartlett weigh?
He was listed at around 290 pounds upon arriving at Mississippi State in the summer of 2025 but has reportedly lost approximately 30 pounds in preparation for the season.
When did Tee Bartlett commit to Mississippi State?
Tee Bartlett announced his commitment to Mississippi State in November 2024, choosing them over several other high-major programs.
What is Tee Bartlett’s playing style?
He is described as a “throw-back” or “traditional” big man. He excels with his back to the basket, using his size and strength to score in the paint, and is also noted for his good footwork and passing skills.
Is Tee Bartlett expected to play a lot as a freshman?
Given his high-profile recruitment and unique size on the roster, he is expected to be a key part of the Bulldogs’ rotation. Coaches and Bartlett have both expressed confidence that he will contribute significantly during his freshman season.
