News Summary
As the Mississippi State Bulldogs prepare for the new football season, the team is focusing on positivity and growth after a tough previous year. Key players, including linebackers Nic Mitchell and Zakari Tillman, are ready to build on their past experiences and help elevate the team’s performance. With the addition of new talent and a strong emphasis on teamwork, the Bulldogs hope to make a significant impact on the field this year.
Starkville, Mississippi – As the Mississippi State Bulldogs gear up for the 2025 football season, the team is embracing a culture of optimism following a challenging 2024 season. With the opening game set for August 30 against Southern Miss, players and coaches are focusing on lessons learned and the potential for a brighter future as they strive to improve on last year’s performance.
Linebacker Nic Mitchell, who is entering his final collegiate season, has expressed a commitment to learning from previous experiences rather than dwelling on past disappointments. He is determined to leave a lasting legacy at the university, envisioning the day when he can share success stories about his senior year with his future grandchildren. Mitchell, who joined the team as a three-star prospect from Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida, is eager to conclude his college career on a high note.
During the 2024 season, Mitchell established himself as a starting linebacker, recording an impressive 80 tackles, along with 3 tackles for loss, 2 pass breakups, and 1 interception. Highlighting his performance, he achieved a personal best of 11 tackles in a single game against Missouri, while also hitting double digits in tackles against Texas A&M and UMass. This development is part of a growing trend of players who remain with a program, refining their skills and increasing their contributions on the field.
The addition of new linebackers through the transfer portal may help reduce Mitchell’s snap count and improve overall team performance in the 2025 season. Further depth in the position could allow Mitchell to focus on making impactful plays. In addition, the team’s preparations have also seen notable figures, including former Baylor coach Art Briles, who attended Mississippi State’s preseason practice on August 4. Although Briles is related to MSU coach Jeff Lebby, he is not part of the coaching staff, and there is a strong emphasis on maintaining a healthy family environment within the team.
Briles has had a controversial history, having been fired from Baylor in 2016 following an investigation into sexual assault accusations against players. Although he was cleared of NCAA violations in 2021, the criticism of his actions at Baylor continues to follow him. Following a brief stint in 2022 at Grambling State, in which he resigned due to concerns about distractions, his presence at MSU has raised eyebrows yet has not impacted team dynamics.
Wide receiver Brenen Thompson is another player to watch this season. Recently included in The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List for 2025, Thompson ranks No. 91 among 101 athletes. Transitioning to Mississippi State after previous seasons at Oklahoma and Texas, he is anticipated to play a significant role, particularly in the slot position. During his time at Oklahoma, Thompson caught 19 passes for 230 yards and scored 2 touchdowns, and he looks to build on this performance in 2025.
Defensively, linebacker Zakari Tillman has been making a name for himself, showcasing his abilities with impactful plays, including key tackles and turnovers. As the team prepares for the new season, Tillman is expected to step into a leadership role, guiding the younger linebackers to perform at their best.
Offensively, tight end Seydou Traore is projected to be a major target for the Bulldogs, finishing second on the team in receptions last year. The return of quarterback Blake Shapen is anticipated to enhance the passing game, allowing for better utilization of Traore’s skills. Additionally, Jack linebacker Branden Jennings is poised for a promising season, coming off a strong 2024 campaign in which he recorded 56 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. With improved support from the defensive line, Jennings has the potential for an even greater impact in the upcoming season.
As Mississippi State prepares for the 2025 season, the focus is on building a resilient team that strives for success on and off the field while learning from the past and looking toward the future.
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Mississippi State Football Revamps Roster for Upcoming Season
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Art Briles at MSU Practice
- Sports Illustrated: Bulldog Roundup on Brenen Thompson
- Maroon and White Nation: MSU Bulldogs 2025 Breakout
- Hail State: Key 2025 Football Weekends
- Clarion Ledger: MSU Football Receivers Update
- 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.
