News Summary
The Mississippi State Bulldogs are preparing for a new college football season, eyes set on their opener against Southern Miss. Under first-year head coach Charles Huff Jr., the team is looking to secure bowl eligibility by achieving at least five wins. With a revamped offensive line and strong returning players, the Bulldogs aim to build on last year’s lessons while navigating a challenging schedule. Health and performance will be key as they strive to turn their fortunes around this season.
Starkville, Mississippi – The Mississippi State Bulldogs are gearing up for the 2025 college football season, with excitement building as the team approaches its opener against Southern Miss in just 41 days under the guidance of first-year head coach Charles Huff Jr. After a challenging previous season, the Bulldogs are determined to create a positive outlook with hopes of achieving bowl eligibility by securing at least five wins this season.
The Bulldogs are projected to win their initial matchups against Southern Miss, Alcorn State, and Northern Illinois, all of which are seen as winnable games. However, after facing setbacks from last season’s performance, they aim to avoid any additional losses to Group of 5 schools, particularly against Toledo, which could impact their bowl eligibility aspirations.
To reach that critical mark of bowl eligibility, Mississippi State must clinch three victories out of nine matchups against teams like Arizona State and tough SEC competitors. Among the SEC games, Arkansas and Missouri are viewed as the most likely scenarios for victory.
The health of quarterback Blake Shapen will be a key factor for the Bulldogs this season. Shapen, who has previously struggled with injuries and missed full-season play since 2022, showcased his talent last season by throwing for approximately 3,500 yards and recording fewer than 10 interceptions. His ability to maintain health throughout this season could be pivotal to the Bulldogs’ offensive success.
On the defensive side, the Bulldogs have made enhancements to their defensive line through the transfer portal, which should position them better against larger offensive lines encountered within the SEC. Last year, the Bulldogs managed to accumulate 1,655 net rushing yards, and improving their rushing statistics is crucial, especially as the running back position appears strong with talents like Davon Booth and new transfer Fluff Bothwell.
To enhance these rushing yard totals, Mississippi State must focus on reducing quarterback sacks, a factor that directly affects overall offensive performance. Isaac Smith, who led the team in tackles last season, is expected to provide strong leadership on defense amidst the team’s challenges, remaining committed to the program even during difficult times.
The offensive line has received considerable attention, with five transfers integrated into the roster during spring. This revamped line will be essential for the Bulldogs’ performance in the upcoming season. The wide receiver corps has encountered significant changes, having lost leading receiver Kevin Coleman among others, but welcomes notable new transfers such as Ayden Williams and Brenen Thompson.
Head coach Jeff Lebby has stressed the importance of the offensive line developing cohesion and flexibility during their preseason practices to optimize performance before the season opener. As part of their strategy, several freshmen have been added to the wide receiver position to deepen the roster, yet much reliance will be on returning players quickly adapting to the new system and proving their ability to contribute significantly.
A competitive atmosphere is anticipated among the wide receivers as the team seeks to identify a primary target to enhance their passing game. Overall, the Bulldogs are looking to build upon the lessons learned from last year’s challenges, focusing on establishing a stronger foundation with a blend of fresh talent and committed returning players.
With the countdown to the season opener against Southern Miss underway, Mississippi State’s football program is charged with an optimistic outlook, aiming for improvement and aiming to surpass previous seasons’ performances.
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Additional Resources
- 247Sports: Mississippi State Football Wide Receivers
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Practice Insights
- Sports Illustrated: Mississippi State Rebuilds Wide Receiver Room
- On3: Isaac Smith Highlights
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs
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.
