Starkville MS, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Mississippi State football has revealed its annual opponents for the SEC schedule starting in 2026. The Bulldogs will face Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Alabama each season. This change comes as the SEC transitions to a nine-game conference schedule, enhancing competition among teams. The tradition of the Egg Bowl against Ole Miss will continue, with the next matchup set for November 2025. Each SEC team will play all teams at least once every two seasons, marking a significant shift in the scheduling format.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State football has officially announced its annual opponents for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) schedule starting in 2026. Beginning that year, the Bulldogs will face off against Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Alabama each season. This information was confirmed by a reliable source familiar with the SEC schedule on September 22, 2025, although the complete schedule is not publicly available yet.
The SEC is making a significant change to its format by transitioning from an eight-game schedule to a nine-game conference schedule, which is set to commence in 2026. As a part of this new structure, Mississippi State will engage in annual matchups against Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Alabama while competing against six additional opponents from the SEC on a rotating basis. This new scheduling approach will ensure that every SEC team will play against every other team at least once every two seasons.
Long-standing Rivalries and Recent History
The game against Ole Miss has been a staple for Mississippi State, stemming from the tradition of the Egg Bowl, which is traditionally played on Thanksgiving Day. This rivalry game was recently moved to Black Friday in recent years, with the next matchup scheduled for November 29, 2025, at Davis Wade Stadium.
In terms of geographical proximity, Alabama is approximately a 90-minute drive from Starkville, while Vanderbilt is less than a five-hour drive away, making these games more accessible for fans and players alike. In recent historical performance, Mississippi State last faced Alabama in 2023, resulting in a 40-17 loss at home. Notably, Alabama leads the all-time series against Mississippi State by a substantial margin of 87 wins to 18 losses with three ties. Their recent dominance is evident, as Alabama has managed to win 16 consecutive games against the Bulldogs.
Contrastingly, Mississippi State’s record against Vanderbilt is stronger, leading that historical series 15-7-2. The Bulldogs have won the last five matchups against the Commodores, with their latest victory occurring in 2021. This record adds an interesting dynamic to the annual matchups that will continue through the upcoming SEC schedules.
Future Announcements
The full details regarding the 2026 SEC schedule, including the specific dates for each game, are anticipated to be announced in December 2025. This announcement will provide further clarity on the complete lineup for Mississippi State and its annual opponents in the coming seasons.
Conclusion
Mississippi State’s announcement of its annual football opponents sets the stage for exciting matchups in the SEC starting in 2026. With established rivalries and changing game schedules, football fans in Mississippi and the surrounding areas can look forward to thrilling competition as the teams prepare for a new era in college football.
FAQ
Who are Mississippi State’s annual opponents starting in 2026?
When will the complete schedule of SEC opponents be revealed?
How does the new SEC schedule format affect matchups?
What is the historical performance of Mississippi State against Alabama and Vanderbilt?
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Opponents | Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Alabama |
| Schedule Change | Transitioning from eight-game to nine-game conference schedule |
| Opponent Revelation Date | September 23, 2025, at 6 p.m. |
| Geographical Distances | Alabama: 90 Minutes, Vanderbilt: Less than 5 Hours |
| 2026 Schedule Announcement | Expected in December 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Schedule SEC 2026
- Hail State: First and 10 to Know – State vs. Northern Illinois
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football vs Texas A&M Game Time
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- SI: Mississippi State Unveils Depth Chart
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.
