News Summary
Following a challenging previous season, Mississippi State University’s football program is proactively preparing for the 2025 season. With a record of 2-10 in 2024, Coach Jeff Lebby is committed to revitalizing the team’s dynamics. The Bulldogs have significantly bolstered their roster, addressing key weaknesses, particularly in the wide receiver and defensive line positions. Players express optimism for the upcoming season, eager to improve upon last year’s setbacks. The season opener against Southern Miss on August 30th has everyone hopeful for a turnaround.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University’s football program is preparing for a critical 2025 season following a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw the Bulldogs finish with a record of 2-10. This marks the team’s worst performance in over two decades, prompting Head Coach Jeff Lebby to seek significant improvements ahead of the new season.
During the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Media Days held in Atlanta, Coach Lebby, flanked by key players including wide receiver Brenen Thompson, safety Isaac Smith, and quarterback Blake Shapen, addressed the challenges faced in the previous season. The season took a turn for the worse when starting quarterback Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending injury in Week 4 against Florida, contributing to the team’s struggles on both offense and defense.
In 2024, the Bulldogs ranked an alarming 125th in total defense and 78th in total offense, reflecting a dire need for improvement. Lebby acknowledged the pressure on him to revitalize the program in his second year, emphasizing the necessity of better management both on the field and within the broader football program. He stated that empowering staff and players would be crucial in the effort to achieve success.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Bulldogs have taken decisive steps to bolster their roster, adding over 50 new players since the conclusion of last season. Most of the coaching staff has remained intact, providing stability amidst the significant changes. The team is addressing specific weaknesses, particularly in the wide receiver and defensive line positions, through the transfer portal in an effort to enhance overall performance.
Players have echoed a sense of optimism regarding the upcoming season, with an increased energy and positivity reported within the locker room compared to the previous year. Shapen aims to improve offensive output by stressing the importance of a strong ground game, which will create opportunities for passing. Safety Isaac Smith pointed out that last season’s setbacks were partially due to execution issues, such as missed tackles and assignments, which also contributed to the team’s defensive shortcomings.
The Bulldogs are set to kick off their 2025 season on August 30th against Southern Miss, with hopes of turning their fortunes around. However, external expectations remain low, as USA TODAY’s SEC preseason poll has projected Mississippi State to finish last in the conference once again. Despite the bleak outlook, Coach Lebby emphasized the importance of selecting players who can positively enhance the team culture and improve performance on the field.
With significant roster changes, the Mississippi State Bulldogs are gearing up for a critical year, aiming to rebuild and regain their competitive edge in the SEC. As the 2025 season approaches, the coaching staff and players are motivated to foster a more successful season, focusing on learning from past challenges while striving for improvement and excellence.
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Additional Resources
- SEC Sports: Mississippi State at SEC Media Days
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football 2025
- WLBT: Mississippi State Previews Upcoming Season
- Wikipedia: 2025 Mississippi State Bulldogs Football Team
- WAFF: 2025 SEC Media Days – Mississippi State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Predictions 2025
- Google News: Mississippi State Football 2025 Season
- CBS Sports: SEC Media Days 2025
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.
