News Summary
Mississippi State Football faces significant changes as the team prepares for a major roster overhaul ahead of the 2025 season. With 80% of players in their first or second year and a disappointing previous season, Coach Jeff Lebby emphasizes the challenges of building a competitive team. The Bulldogs aim to strengthen their roster using the transfer portal, with notable recruits and a focus on crucial positions. As they gear up for upcoming games, fans are eager to see how the new roster will perform after significant player turnover.
Starkville, Mississippi – With significant changes on the horizon, Mississippi State Football is facing a major roster overhaul as they prepare for the 2025 season. Head coach Jeff Lebby addressed the challenges posed by a high player turnover rate during SEC Media Days, emphasizing the difficulties of building a competitive team amid a largely new roster.
Lebby noted that currently, 80% of the players on Mississippi State’s roster are in their first or second year with the program. This trajectory follows a disappointing 2024 season in which the Bulldogs finished with a record of 2-10. Their challenging schedule featured losses to several College Football Playoff participants, including powers like Arizona State, Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee. Mississippi State is set to host these teams once again in the upcoming season, with no road games scheduled until October, making for a potentially formidable start to their campaign.
Adding to the struggles of the previous season were injuries and player attrition, which impacted the team’s performance. Despite these hurdles, Lebby pointed out that the team demonstrated competitiveness in numerous matchups, providing a foundation to build upon as they enter the new season.
The Bulldogs’ schedule for the 2025 season will include games against Southern Miss, Arizona State, and conference rivals such as Tennessee and Ole Miss. As part of their roster enhancement efforts, the transfer portal is a key focus for the program. The window opened on April 16 and will close on April 25, 2025, allowing Mississippi State to make adjustments ahead of the new season.
In response to their needs, the Bulldogs have actively sought to strengthen their roster, acquiring 24 transfers after the 2024 season. Specific focus areas include the offensive line and tight end positions, which are critical to building a more competitive squad.
Among the key recruits joining Mississippi State from various programs are:
- DB DK McGruder from Tulane
- DL Colin Coates from Charlotte
- OL Zack Owens from Colorado
- OL Jayvin James from Maryland
- OL Brennan Smith from UTEP
- TE Max Reese from Eastern Michigan
- LS Ethan Myers from Chattanooga
- RB Fluff Bothwell from South Alabama
- QB Luke Kromenhoek from Florida State
Conversely, the Bulldogs have seen numerous players enter the transfer portal, including starting cornerback Brice Pollock, who moved to Texas Tech, top wide receivers Kevin Coleman Jr. (to Missouri) and Mario Craver (to Texas A&M), and freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. (to LSU).
To address these departures, Mississippi State is making strategic acquisitions, especially on defense, which struggled significantly last season. Notable defensive transfers include:
- Red Hibbler from N.C. State, who has recorded 6.5 sacks
- Jaray Bledsoe from Texas, a former four-star recruit
- Jalen Smith from Tennessee, who has made an impact at linebacker
Mississippi State is looking to replace the production lost from departing wide receivers, aiming to improve overall performance with the help of the transfer portal. As the Bulldogs gear up for the 2025 season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes take shape and whether the team can rise above last year’s challenges.
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Additional Resources
- 247Sports: NCAA Transfer Portal Impact
- Clarion Ledger: Transfer Portal Tracker
- On3: Mississippi State Football Transfer Portal
- Maroon and White Nation: Transfer Additions
- Clarion Ledger: Jeff Lebby’s Take on Transfers
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football Transfer Portal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State University
- Google News: Mississippi State 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.
