News Summary
Mississippi State University has welcomed linebacker Jalen Smith, who has personal ties to Mississippi, to their football team. Smith, a former Tennessee player, aims to bolster the Bulldogs’ defense and is included in the Butkus Award watch list. Additionally, former Baylor coach Art Briles was present during preseason practice, highlighting his relationship with head coach Jeff Lebby. The team has also announced its nonconference schedule for the upcoming season, alongside recruiting efforts focused on high-profile basketball twins visiting the campus.
Starkville, Mississippi Welcomes Linebacker Jalen Smith and Notable Visitor Art Briles During Preseason Practice
Mississippi State University recently welcomed Jalen Smith, a linebacker originally from Georgia, as part of its football team. This addition is seen as a significant opportunity for both Smith and the Bulldogs, owing to his prior experience in the Southeastern Conference and his strong family ties to Mississippi.
Smith is particularly connected to the state, as his father hails from Tylertown, Mississippi, and he has several relatives residing in the region. He has expressed that Mississippi feels like “kind of like a second home” to him, and he takes pride in representing his family from the state. Smith previously played for the University of Tennessee, where he had a noteworthy career, earning a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team after recording 34 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in his last season there.
In recognition of his talents, Smith has recently been included in the Butkus Award watch list, which honors the best linebackers in the nation. His commitment to hard work and leadership should serve to bolster Mississippi State’s defensive squad. His arrival is further supported by established relationships with the coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler and head coach Jeff Lebby, enhancing the anticipation for his contributions on the field.
In another notable event during the preseason practice on August 4, 2025, former Baylor football coach Art Briles was present at the facility. Although Briles is not a coach or staff member for Mississippi State, his presence is significant as he is the father-in-law of head coach Jeff Lebby. Briles was dismissed from Baylor in 2016 following a controversial investigation into how the university managed sexual assault claims, and he has been out of the college coaching scene since a brief stint as Grambling State’s offensive coordinator in 2022.
Mississippi State’s 2025 Nonconference Schedule Details
Alongside the developments with Smith and Briles, Mississippi State has also announced details regarding its nonconference schedule for the 2025 season. The Bulldogs will pay a total of $2.275 million to secure four nonconference games. The schedule includes contests against Southern Miss, Arizona State, Alcorn State, and Northern Illinois.
Importantly, due to a prior agreement, Mississippi State will not incur any expenses for the Week 1 matchup against Southern Miss. However, they will need to allocate $400,000 for the second game against Arizona State, $475,000 for Alcorn State, and a substantial $1.4 million for the game in Week 4 against Northern Illinois.
Recruiting Efforts Coincide with Key Events
The presence of high-profile recruits continues to be a focal point for Mississippi State as well. Four-star twin basketball recruits Gavin and Gallagher Placide are set to visit the university from September 12-14, coinciding with a football game against Alcorn State. Gavin is ranked No. 33 nationally as a small forward, while Gallagher holds the No. 67 ranking as a power forward.
The Placide brothers’ interest is expected to grow, as they have several more official visits lined up with prestigious schools, including Kansas, LSU, Wake Forest, Florida State, and NC State. The University aims to leverage the football weekend to create a conducive environment for attracting recruits, and scouting reports indicate both brothers possess the skills necessary for success at the collegiate level.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Art Briles at Mississippi State Football Practice
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football 2025 Nonconference Schedule Details
- Sports Illustrated: Mississippi State Schedules Visit with Twin Recruits
- Clarion Ledger: Former College Football Coach and US Senate Aspirations
- College Football News: Top 10 College Football Win Total Predictions for 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.
