News Summary
Mississippi State football is gearing up for the new season as fall camp opens soon. The Bulldogs are looking to improve after a tough previous season, focusing on recruitment and integrating new wide receivers and offensive line transfers. Key returning players, alongside talented newcomers, aim to enhance the team’s performance. Additionally, the iconic cowbell tradition is being spotlighted in a USA Today poll, showcasing the passion of Bulldogs fans.
Starkville, Mississippi — Mississippi State football is gearing up for the 2025 season as fall camp opens in less than two weeks. The Bulldogs will kick off their season on August 30, 2025, with a home game against Southern Miss. Second-year head coach Jeff Lebby represented the team at the SEC Media Days in Atlanta, emphasizing the squad’s recent recruitment efforts during the winter and spring transfer seasons.
The Bulldogs’ wide receiver group has seen substantial changes, including the departure of several players from last year. Among the wide receivers lost are Kevin Coleman, Mario Craver, Kelly Akharaiyi, JJ Harrell, Creed Whittemore, Jaden Walley, Trent Hudson, and Antonio Harmon. In contrast, returning players such as Jordan Mosley, Ricky Johnson, and Sanfrisco Magee are poised to fill the gaps.
Jordan Mosley had a breakout season in 2024, posting 23 catches for 405 yards and three touchdowns, making him a key asset for the upcoming season. While Ricky Johnson only managed two catches for nine yards last year, he is recognized for his potential, and Sanfrisco Magee, despite only securing one catch, displayed encouraging performance during the spring game.
The newly added wide receivers aim to invigorate the roster. The incoming players include Brenen Thompson from Oklahoma, Anthony Evans from Georgia, Markus Allen from Eastern Michigan, Ayden Williams from Ole Miss, Cam Thompson from Northern Illinois, Gracen Harris from High School, Jaron Glover from Michigan State, AJ Lewis from High School, Isaiah Mitchell from High School, and Davian Jackson from High School. Among these recruits, Ayden Williams stands out as a potential X-factor due to his size and pedigree as a former blue-chip recruit, while Brenen Thompson brings valuable experience from his previous time under Coach Lebby at Oklahoma.
The offensive line, previously recognized as a weakness for the Bulldogs, is another area of focus for Coach Lebby. Five offensive line transfers were brought in during the spring, with three of them boasting starting experience. Although the team’s depth on the line has increased, there remains uncertainty about clear-cut starters ahead of preseason practices. Returning offensive linemen include Albert Reese IV, Luke Work, and Jacoby Jackson, along with the new transfers Blake Steen, Trevor Mayberry, and Brennan Smith.
Defensively, the Bulldogs encountered struggles last season, but sophomore safety Isaac Smith emerged as a critical player. Recording an impressive 127 tackles last year, Smith aims to elevate the defensive unit in 2025. The coaching staff is utilizing the transfer portal to address defensive shortcomings, signaling a commitment to improvement for the upcoming season.
As Mississippi State approaches the new season, the Bulldogs are seeking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-10 record last year. The team’s efforts in recruiting and addressing areas of weakness present an optimistic outlook for their performance in 2025.
In addition to on-field preparations, Mississippi State’s unique cowbell tradition is being highlighted in a USA Today poll for the best college sports tradition. Currently ranked at the top, fans are encouraged to vote for the cowbell tradition until August 18, showcasing the pride and importance that Mississippi State supporters place on their cherished custom compared to other collegiate traditions.
As the season opener nears, fans and players alike are filled with anticipation for what lies ahead for Mississippi State football.
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Additional Resources
- 247 Sports: 2025 Mississippi State Football Wide Receivers
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Practice
- Sports Illustrated: Mississippi State Rebuilds Wide Receiver Room
- On3: Isaac Smith – Mississippi State Football
- Auburn Wire: SEC Media Days 2025
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football 2025
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Football 2025
- 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.
