Starkville, October 24, 2025
News Summary
Ethan Pulliam, a Starkville native, has been appointed the new starting punter for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Initially signed for both baseball and football, Pulliam now focuses solely on punting to enhance his performance. Known for his impressive stats, which include an average of 45.8 yards per punt, he aims to bolster the Bulldogs’ special teams after a strong showing last season. Pulliam’s dedication not only aids his career but strengthens local recruiting for Mississippi State.
Starkville native Ethan Pulliam has made headlines as the new starting punter for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The 6’2, 190-pound athlete has shifted his focus entirely to football after initially signing with Mississippi State to play both baseball and football. Pulliam’s decision to concentrate solely on punting comes as he hopes to enhance his performance on the field.
Growing up near Davis Wade Stadium and Dudy Noble Field, Pulliam dreamed of one day representing the Bulldogs. During his time at Starkville High School, he did not just excel in one sport; he was a versatile athlete, participating in various sports, including baseball and football. Pulliam was a key player on Starkville’s 2022 6A state championship football team and garnered numerous accolades during his baseball career.
When he first joined Mississippi State, Pulliam participated in two seasons of baseball. In his time on the baseball team, he appeared in 27 games, starting 20 of them and achieving a batting average of .227 along with a career highlight in the form of a triple. However, after redshirting his freshman year and practicing part-time last season, he made the pivotal decision to focus entirely on punting this year. Head coach Jeff Lebby has expressed his support for Pulliam’s choice, highlighting the necessity for a talented punter in every successful football program.
During his senior season at Starkville High School, Pulliam averaged an impressive 45.8 yards per punt, achieving a long of 71 yards while managing to down 14 punts inside the 20-yard line. His performance has not gone unnoticed, as he is recognized as a five-star punter, rated as the top punter in Mississippi and ninth in the nation. Pulliam’s skills and success are paramount for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, particularly as the team’s punting game had a strong showing last season, ranking 14th in net punting with an average of 41.8 yards.
Pulliam’s shift of focus from baseball to football is expected to further elevate the punting position for the Bulldogs. His commitment is not only beneficial for him but is also crucial for Mississippi State’s recruiting strategies, especially in retaining local talent from Starkville.
As Pulliam embarks on this new chapter as Mississippi State’s punter, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he leverages his athletic abilities to contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
FAQ Section
Who is Ethan Pulliam?
Ethan Pulliam is a former Starkville High School athlete who is now the starting punter for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
What sports did Ethan Pulliam participate in at Starkville High School?
Pulliam excelled in multiple sports at Starkville High School, including baseball and football.
What accolades did Pulliam achieve in football and baseball?
Pulliam was a member of Starkville’s 2022 6A state championship team in football and earned various accolades in baseball.
How did Pulliam’s punting statistics compare during his senior season?
During his senior season, Pulliam recorded an average of 45.8 yards per punt, with a long of 71 yards and 14 punts downed inside the 20.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ethan Pulliam |
| Hometown | Starkville |
| Position | Punter |
| School | Mississippi State Bulldogs |
| Height/Weight | 6’2, 190 lbs |
| Football Stats | Average: 45.8 yards per punt, Long: 71 yards, 14 downed inside the 20 |
| Baseball Participation | 27 games, started 20, batting average: .227 |
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Ethan Pulliam Transitions from Baseball to Football at MSU
Additional Resources
- On3: Ethan Pulliam Mississippi State Football
- Starkville Daily News: Former SHS Athlete Pulliam Booming Punts for MSU
- Commercial Dispatch: Dual Sport Athlete Pulliam Getting Comfortable in Starting Role for Mississippi State
- Clarion Ledger: Ethan Pulliam Mississippi State Football and Baseball
- Sports Illustrated: Why a Baseball Standout Turned Football Weapon is Important in 2025
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.
