Rodney Hood has opted to transfer from Mississippi State.

"I want to thank Mississippi State for giving me an opportunity to play this year," Hood said in a statement. "It was just a long, tough year for me. Coach Ray will be a great asset to Mississippi State and getting to know him last week made this decision even harder, but after much thought, I am going to ask for a release. I wish my teammates and the program nothing but the best."

The 6-foot-8 guard was a top-30 recruit in the class of 2011.