When Massimo Biscardi made the decision to enter the portal as a graduate transfer on Dec. 18, 2021, he was not looking for a long and drawn-out recruiting process.
Several schools showed interest in the former Coastal Carolina kicker but it only took him four days to find his future destination after making an instant connection with the Mississippi State coaching staff.
"I was really looking for a place that would welcome me and wanted me as a player and believed in what I can do," Biscardi said. "That's what I felt when I started talking to (MSU's) coaching staff. Every single coach started following me on Twitter and I was immediately talking to all of them. That alone said a lot of things to me. I just felt comfortable. The SEC is the big stage so I just thought it was the right move."
The Bulldogs' coaching staff were not the only ones that left an impact on Biscardi through social media. When MSU announced he had officially signed in January, Biscardi's phone rapidly started receiving notification after notification from Maroon and White clad fans sending welcome wishes and following their new field goal kicker.
"It was overwhelming a little bit when I saw all the comments on social media," Biscardi said. "I didn't expect that at all. Coming from Coastal (Carolina) and it being a smaller school, you don't really get that. But it was great to see that the fan base is passionate about the Bulldogs. It was awesome and the best feeling ever."
Biscardi enjoyed an incredible career during his four seasons as the starter for the Chanticleers. The Downington, Pennsylvania native has converted 94.2 percent of his extra points and made a school-record 46 of 57 career field goal attempts (80.7 percent) with a long of 53 yards set in 2019.
In fact, Biscardi has made four of his five field goal attempts from 50-plus yards over his career. And he feels his range could extend beyond that in the right circumstances.
"It just depends on the conditions, but if I have a slight breeze with me I'd feel good from 60," Biscardi said.
It is that kind of confidence that attracted new MSU special teams coordinator Eric Mele to Biscardi in the first place. Biscardi has the exact kicking mentality that Mele was searching for, someone that embraces the high-pressure moments that playing in the toughest division in college football provides.
"I liked a guy coming from a smaller school that wants an opportunity on the big stage and wants to do it under the big lights in the SEC West," Mele said.
Biscardi graduated from Coastal Carolina in December with a degree in business management. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder enrolled at State in January and is currently pursuing a master's degree in project management.
And although his time in Starkville has been brief, Biscardi believes he found the perfect place to close out his college career.
"It's been great here," Biscardi said. "During offseason training, I got out there a few times with the snappers and holders and got comfortable with them. Outside of football, it's been very relaxing. The people in Starkville are very nice. There's some great barbeque down here so that's great. The coaching staff is very supportive and given me everything that I need."
Biscardi was not the only experienced kicker the coaching staff brought in this spring. He is competing alongside Northern Colorado transfer Ben Raybon for both the placekicking and kickoff duties for next season.
"I'm really just focusing on myself this spring," Biscardi said. "I'm working to be the best version of myself and then the rest will take care of itself. I really just want to build that relationship with my snapper and holder and make the kicks."
