Starkville MS, August 25, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State Bulldogs are preparing for an upcoming season aiming to recover from a tough previous year with a 2-10 record. Key changes in roster and coaching staff, including the addition of five-star punter Pulliam, signal a new strategy. Under Coach Jeff Lebby, the Bulldogs are focused on strengthening their special teams and enhancing their offensive line. A challenging SEC schedule awaits, featuring formidable teams and crucial rivalry games, as fans eagerly anticipate how these changes will impact the team’s performance.
Starkville, Mississippi – The Mississippi State football team is gearing up for an upcoming season filled with both challenges and promise as they attempt to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign that concluded with a record of 2-10. Key developments in the roster and coaching staff indicate that the Bulldogs aim to turn the tide with strategic changes and fresh talent.
Last season, despite the overall struggles, Mississippi State demonstrated proficiency in punting, ranking among the top teams in the nation. The Bulldogs finished with only 44 punts, the 9th fewest in the country, and stood 14th in net punting with an average of 41.8 yards per kick. Additionally, they did not allow any punt returns for touchdowns, showcasing a strong special teams unit. Former punter Nick Barr-Mira was a standout player, executing 14 punts of 50 yards or more, including a significant longest punt of 60 yards and successfully placing 17 punts inside the 20-yard line. However, with Barr-Mira’s departure from the team, the Bulldogs turn their focus to new talent to fill his shoes.
Stepping into the role of punter is Pulliam, a highly regarded five-star recruit from nearby Starkville, who is ranked as the number one punter in Mississippi and the ninth nationally. Pulliam made a name for himself not only in football but also in baseball during his high school years, contributing to Starkville’s victory in the 2022 6A state championship football team. Initially recruited for both football and baseball, Pulliam will concentrate exclusively on punting for the upcoming season.
With head coach Jeff Lebby entering his second season, the Bulldogs continue to pursue their first win in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Last year, injuries and inconsistent performance from key players, including starting quarterback Blake Shapen, hampered the team’s progress. To enhance the team’s performance, Lebby has implemented significant changes to the coaching staff. These include hiring Phil Loadholt as the offensive line coach and appointing experienced defensive analysts to bolster the team’s strategy.
Mississippi State is actively working on rebuilding its depth with nearly 30 transfer players joining the roster and a full signing class. Among the key returning players are quarterback Blake Shapen, running backs Davon Booth and Johnnie Daniels, and a revamped offensive line built to support a more robust running game. The Bulldogs will face a particularly demanding SEC schedule, including matchups against four teams that participated in the previous season’s inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.
As the new season approaches, Mississippi State will host formidable playoff teams such as Arizona State, Tennessee, Texas, and Georgia, while also looking forward to a critical rivalry game against Ole Miss at home. With the integration of new recruits and coaching staff set, Bulldogs fans are eager to witness how these changes will translate to on-field success as the team seeks to forge a new trajectory in the upcoming season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Mississippi State’s record last season?
The Mississippi State football team finished with a record of 2-10 in the 2024 season.
Who is Mississippi State’s new punter for the upcoming season?
The new punter for Mississippi State is Pulliam, a five-star recruit from Starkville, rated as the No. 1 punter in Mississippi and No. 9 in the nation.
How has Coach Jeff Lebby changed the coaching staff?
Coach Jeff Lebby has made significant changes to the coaching staff, including hiring Phil Loadholt as the offensive line coach and adding experienced defensive analysts.
Which teams will Mississippi State face in the SEC schedule?
Mississippi State will face a challenging SEC schedule that includes playoff teams such as Arizona State, Tennessee, Texas, and Georgia, along with a rivalry matchup against Ole Miss.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 2024 Season Record | 2-10 |
| Previous Punting Stats | Ranked 9th fewest punts (44), 14th in net punting (41.8 avg.), no touchdowns allowed on returns |
| New Punter | Pulliam: five-star recruit, #1 punter in Mississippi |
| Coaching Changes | New offensive line coach Phil Loadholt, additional defensive analysts |
| Key Returning Players | Blake Shapen (QB), Davon Booth, Johnnie Daniels (RB) |
| Upcoming SEC Schedule | Matches vs. Arizona State, Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, and Ole Miss |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Fall Exhibition Game in Starkville Featuring Mississippi State Baseball
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Mississippi State Bulldogs Wide Receiver Room Receives High Praise
Starkville Unveils Crossroads District Development
Heartfelt Tribute to Tim Avant: A Beloved Instructor Remembered
Mississippi State Soccer Welcomes Class of 2025 Recruits
Mississippi State Baseball Continues to Impact MLB
Florida Gators to Unveil Throwback Uniforms for Homecoming
Mississippi State Soccer Team Dominates in Exhibition Match
Additional Resources
- SI: Baseball Standout Turned Football Weapon
- Clarion Ledger: Starkville Hotel & Crossroads District
- Hail State: Davon Booth Named to Hornung Award Watch List
- Recorder Online: Mississippi State’s Rough Season
- Starkville Daily News: Starkville High School Football
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football News
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Football
- 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.
