News Summary
As the Mississippi State Bulldogs gear up for the upcoming 2025 football season, there is an air of optimism around Starkville. Coach Jeff Lebby seeks to improve upon a disappointing 2-10 record, focusing on empowering the right personnel in the program. With quarterback Blake Shapen recovering from injury and new talent joining the team, the Bulldogs aim to rejuvenate their game strategies. Emphasizing unity, the players are committed to reclaiming their competitive edge, especially with exciting in-state matchups ahead, including the traditional rivalry against Ole Miss.
Excitement Brewing in Starkville as Mississippi State Football Looks Ahead to 2025 Season
Starkville, MS – As the Mississippi State Bulldogs gear up for the 2025 football season, there’s a palpable buzz surrounding the program. Head Coach Jeff Lebby, who is stepping into his second year with the team, is eager to turn things around after a tough 2-10 record from last season. It was a historic low for the Bulldogs, marking their first time finishing with ten or more losses since 2003. But Coach Lebby is focused not just on the numbers but on the growth of the program as a whole, emphasizing the importance of internal operations and how they can be optimized to bring better results on the field.
Empowering Personnel for Success
In his plans for the upcoming season, Coach Lebby has made a concerted effort to *empower the right personnel* across all departments of the program. This strategy aims to create a more cohesive unit that can effectively support the players, from coaching staff to trainers. The idea is simple: when everyone is working towards a common goal, success becomes more achievable, and the improvements are bound to follow.
Health is Wealth: A Quarterback’s Comeback
One of the keys to success for the Bulldogs will be quarterback Blake Shapen, who suffered a season-ending injury early last year against Florida. His recovery has been promising, and he is now back in full health, ready to lead the charge. Shapen understands that to improve the team’s performance, establishing a strong ground game is crucial. A solid running game can alleviate pressure on him and open up passing opportunities, which could translate into more points on the board.
Aiming for Defensive Dominance
Last season, Mississippi State’s defense struggled mightily, finishing last in the nation. It ranked at a staggering 125th place, plagued by execution issues and missed tackles. However, returning safety Issac Smith expresses a renewed sense of optimism. The addition of new players from the transfer portal has bolstered confidence within the defense. The team has put in significant work over the offseason, and the focus this season is on better execution to avoid the pitfalls they faced in 2024.
There’s a clear call for unity among the players, who all share the vision of reinstating the competitive edge that has become synonymous with Mississippi State football. Ready to rally, they are prepared to kick off the season against Southern Miss on August 30. Smith is particularly enthusiastic about this *in-state matchup*, which promises an electrifying crowd. For fans, this game could mark a fresh start and a chance to showcase the progress made in the offseason.
New Faces and Fresh Talent
Among the exciting developments for Mississippi State is the arrival of edge rusher Malik Sylla. Fans are hoping that his presence will significantly improve the defense’s sack production, which lagged behind last season. With a solid recruiting class featuring 23 commitments, ranked No. 35 on a national scale and No. 8 in the SEC, there is strong talent coming in that can help lift the team’s performance.
The Rivalry and Beyond
As always, the fierce rivalry with Ole Miss and the much-anticipated Egg Bowl has been a burning topic. These matchups not only spice up the season but are integral to the Bulldogs’ competitive spirit. The players know how much these games mean to the community and the fans, and they are committed to making the upcoming season count.
Looking Forward
With preparations ramping up and anticipation building, Mississippi State football is at a pivotal moment. Coach Lebby and his squad are focused on reclaiming their stature in SEC football. Fans are certainly hoping that this season will be a thrilling ride, filled with growth, camaraderie, and perhaps most importantly, victories.
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Additional Resources
- WLBT: Mississippi State Previews Upcoming Season
- Sports Illustrated: Isaac Smith at SEC Media Days
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Recruiting
- On3: Mississippi State’s New Players
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
