Blake Shapen Named Starting Quarterback for Mississippi State

Starkville, Mississippi, August 19, 2025

News Summary

Blake Shapen has been appointed as the starting quarterback for Mississippi State’s football team as they prepare for the upcoming season. Shapen, a former Baylor player, brings valuable experience after leading the Bears to a Big 12 Championship. The competition for backup quarterbacks includes Luke Kromenhoek, Kamario Taylor, and Parker Puckett, each showcasing unique skills and potential. Mississippi State is focusing on improving its defense after a challenging previous season, aiming for success as they gear up for their first game.

Starkville, Mississippi – As the Mississippi State football team gears up for the 2025 season, hopes are high with Blake Shapen named the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against Southern Miss. The announcement marks a significant moment in his career as he returns to the field after a season-ending injury last year.

Shapen, who previously played for Baylor, had an impressive college tenure leading the Bears to a Big 12 Championship in 2021, where he recorded nearly 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns over two seasons. His transfer to Mississippi State brings a wealth of experience, and his performance will be crucial for the Bulldogs’ success this season.

A key point of interest ahead of the season kickoff is the competition for the backup quarterback position. The Bulldogs currently have four quarterbacks vying for roles, which includes Shapen, Luke Kromenhoek, Kamario Taylor, and Parker Puckett. Each of these players has a unique background and skill set that contributes to the team’s overall dynamics.

Kromenhoek, a highly regarded recruit from the 2024 class, initially signed with Florida State, where he played in six games, completing two starts with 502 yards and three touchdowns. He is known for his strong arm and ability to read defenses effectively.

Meanwhile, Taylor has gained considerable attention for his playing style, drawing favorable comparisons to Cam Newton. He was the highest-rated quarterback to sign with Mississippi State out of high school, securing a position in the top 10 by major recruiting services. His achievements at Noxubee County High School include leading his team to multiple state championships and recognition as part of the Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen.

Parker Puckett has also had a noteworthy high school career, contributing to the Jackson Prep team that secured a state championship in 2022. With a record of 4,822 passing yards and 46 touchdowns during his high school tenure, Puckett adds valuable depth to the quarterback roster.

In preparation for the season, head coach Jeff Lebby emphasized the importance of ball security during a recent scrimmage held on August 16. The team’s overall performance was promising, particularly regarding the offensive execution led by Shapen and the backup quarterbacks. However, Lebby acknowledged the need for continued improvement in execution and accountability.

Another area of focus is the Bulldogs’ defense, which faced challenges last season by allowing an average of 34.1 points per game. The scrimmages have indicated a positive trend in defensive performance, suggesting the team may be ready to take on tougher opponents this season.

Complicating matters for the quarterback competition is the recent transfer of Michael Van Buren, who filled in for Shapen last season. Van Buren has moved to LSU to continue his football career, leaving the backup spot open for one of the remaining quarterbacks to seize the opportunity.

As the countdown to the season opener continues, the excitement around the Mississippi State football team amplifies, with eyes set on how Shapen and the aspiring quarterbacks will perform on the big stage.

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Additional Resources

• 247Sports: Concerns and Questions for 2025 Mississippi State
• Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
• Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Quarterback Update
• Google Search: Mississippi State Football
• SI: Predicting Mississippi State 2025 Quarterback Depth Chart
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
• Maroon and White Nation: Examining MSU’s 2025 Quarterback Room
• Google News: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
• Magnolia Tribune: Shapen Healthy for 2025 Season
• On3: Jeff Lebby on QB Battle

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.