The Mississippi State Bulldogs enter the 2025 season under second-year head coach Jeff Lebby, looking to bounce back from a challenging 2-10 campaign in 2024. With a mix of returning talent and key transfers, the Bulldogs aim to show significant improvement in a reloaded SEC.
This is the second season preview of SEC teams. Click here to read Tennessee’s season preview. Click here for all of EasySportz’s college football coverage.
Storylines Entering the Season
- Year Two Under Lebby: The biggest storyline is the progression of the Mississippi State program under Jeff Lebby in his second season. After a tough debut year, expectations are for the team to show a clearer identity and improved performance, particularly on offense.
- Offensive Rebound: The Mississippi State offense struggled last season, but the return of quarterback Blake Shapen from injury and the addition of talented transfers, especially in the running back and wide receiver rooms, signal a potential resurgence. The key will be the development of the offensive line.
- Defensive Improvement: Mississippi State’s defense ranked near the bottom nationally in 2024. A major focus in the offseason has been to improve the pass rush and overall depth on the defensive front. New transfers and returning veterans like Isaac Smith will be crucial to this effort.
- Brutal SEC Schedule: Mississippi State faces one of the toughest schedules in the country, including home games against four 2024 College Football Playoff teams (Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss) and challenging road trips to Texas A&M, Florida, and Missouri. Navigating this gauntlet will be a true test.
- Transfer Portal Impact: Like many programs, Mississippi State has heavily utilized the transfer portal to reshape its roster. The success of these new additions in integrating with the team and making an immediate impact will be vital.
Key Players
- Blake Shapen (QB, Gr.): The presumed starting quarterback returns after missing much of last season due to injury. His health and ability to lead Mississippi State’s offense will be paramount to the Bulldogs’ success. He was highly rated by Pro Football Focus before his injury in 2024.
- Davon Booth (RB, Gr.): A versatile back who led the team in all-purpose yards last season (1,231). He’ll be a central figure in the running game and a key weapon in the passing attack.
- Isaac Smith (S, Jr.): A standout safety who led the SEC with 127 tackles last season. He’s a hybrid safety/linebacker and a critical leader on the defensive side of the ball.
- Jahron Manning (S, Sr.): A transfer from Old Dominion who was Third-Team All-Sun Belt in 2024. He brings immediate experience and production to the secondary, with 85 tackles and 3 interceptions last year.
- Red Hibbler (DE, Gr.): A transfer from NC State, Hibbler is expected to bolster a pass rush that was severely lacking in 2024. His ability to generate pressure will be key for the defense.
- Jalen Smith (LB, R-So.): An SEC All-Freshman linebacker transfer from Tennessee who will be looked upon to make a significant impact in the linebacker corps.
Mississippi State Depth Chart (Projected)
Offense
- QB: Blake Shapen (Gr.) / Luke Kromenhoek (So.)
- RB: Davon Booth (Gr.) / Fluff Bothwell (So.)
- WR (X): Jordan Mosley (Sr.) / Ayden Williams (Jr.)
- WR (Z): Brenen Thompson (Sr.) / Markus Allen (Sr.)
- WR (Slot): Anthony Evans III (Jr.) / Ricky Johnson (R-Fr.)
- TE: Seydou Traore (Sr.) / Cameron Ball (Jr.)
- LT: Jacoby Jackson (Sr.) / Trevor Mayberry (Gr.)
- LG: Koby Keenum (So.) / Brennan Smith (Sr.)
- C: Albert Reese IV (Sr.) / Canon Boone (Sr.)
- RG: Luke Work (So.) / Jayvin James (So.)
- RT: Blake Steen (Jr.) / Jimothy Lewis (R-Fr.)
Defense
- DE: Red Hibbler (Gr.) / Deonte Anderson (Sr.)
- DT: Will Whitson (Gr.) / Kalvin Dinkins (Jr.)
- DT: Jamil Burroughs (Jr.) / Trevion Williams (So.)
- EDGE/OLB: Branden Jennings (Sr.) / Malick Sylla (Sr.)
- ILB: Jalen Smith (R-So.) / Derion Gullette (R-So.)
- ILB: Zakari Tillman (Jr.) / Nic Mitchell (Sr.)
- S (Hybrid): Isaac Smith (Jr.) / Braylon Burnside (So.)
- S: Jahron Manning (Sr.) / Hunter Washington (R-Sr.)
- S: Tony Mitchell (Jr.) / Brylan Lanier (R-Sr.)
- CB: Kelley Jones (R-So.) / Dwight Lewis III (R-Sr.)
- CB: DeAgo Brumfield (R-Sr.) / Jayven Williams (R-Jr.)
Special Teams
- K: Kyle Ferrie (Jr.)
- P: Ethan Pulliam (So.)
- Returners: Davon Booth (Gr.), others TBD
Mississippi State Full Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | TV/Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 30 (Sat) | at Southern Miss | Hattiesburg, Miss. | 11 a.m. CT / ESPN |
| Sep 6 (Sat) | Arizona State | Starkville, Miss. | 6:30 p.m. CT / ESPN2 |
| Sep 13 (Sat) | Alcorn State | Starkville, Miss. | 5 p.m. CT / SECN+/ESPN+ |
| Sep 20 (Sat) | Northern Illinois | Starkville, Miss. | 3:15 p.m. CT / SECN |
| Sep 27 (Sat) | Tennessee | Starkville, Miss. | Flex Window |
| Oct 4 (Sat) | at Texas A&M | Bryan-College Station, Texas | Night Window |
| Oct 11 (Sat) | BYE | ||
| Oct 18 (Sat) | at Florida | Gainesville, Fla. | Afternoon Window |
| Oct 25 (Sat) | Texas (HC) | Starkville, Miss. | Flex Window |
| Nov 1 (Sat) | at Arkansas | Fayetteville, Ark. | Afternoon Window |
| Nov 8 (Sat) | Georgia | Starkville, Miss. | 11 a.m. CT / ABC or ESPN |
| Nov 15 (Sat) | at Missouri | Columbia, Mo. | Night Window |
| Nov 22 (Sat) | BYE | ||
| Nov 28 (Fri) | Ole Miss | Starkville, Miss. | 11 a.m. CT / ABC or ESPN |
Key Games Focus
Here are 2-3 key games that could define Mississippi State’s 2025 season:
- September 6 vs. Arizona State: This early non-conference matchup is a crucial measuring stick. Arizona State defeated the Bulldogs 30-23 in 2024, and this rematch in Starkville provides an immediate opportunity for State to show how much they’ve improved. A win here would build confidence before the challenging SEC slate begins.
- October 25 vs. Texas: This is arguably the biggest home game of the season. Texas, led by Arch Manning, is a national championship contender and will draw significant attention. While a win would be a massive upset, a competitive showing against a top-tier opponent at home could be a moral victory and demonstrate the program’s progress under Lebby. It’s also a chance to make a statement in the new-look SEC.
- November 28 vs. Ole Miss (Egg Bowl): The annual rivalry game is always a must-win for both programs, regardless of records. This year, it’s a Black Friday matchup in Starkville. After a tough 2024 season, ending with a victory over their archrival would be a significant boost for the program and provide momentum heading into the offseason. The Egg Bowl always brings out the best in both teams, and a win here could salvage an otherwise difficult SEC campaign.
