News Summary
As the 2025 college football season approaches, Mississippi State Bulldogs are excited about their new starting quarterback, Blake Shapen, who returns after recovering from an injury. The team, which faced challenges last season, is hopeful for better performance, bolstered by competition among talented QBs vying for backup positions. Head Coach Jeff Lebby expresses confidence in the team’s potential, setting a positive tone for the upcoming season.
Exciting Changes Ahead for Mississippi State Bulldogs as 2025 Season Approaches
As the 2025 college football season approaches, excitement is in the air in Starkville, Mississippi! The Mississippi State Bulldogs are gearing up for action, and the buzz around the quarterback situation is hard to ignore. With the announcement that Blake Shapen will be starting against Southern Miss, fans are eager to see how the upcoming season will shape up.
Blake Shapen Takes the Helm
Blake Shapen, who made a name for himself at Baylor University, is stepping into the spotlight as the starting quarterback. After leading the Bears to a Big 12 Championship in 2021, Shapen’s experience is expected to be both valuable and reassuring for the Bulldogs. Over his two seasons at Baylor, he showcased his talent by throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and an impressive 31 touchdowns.
However, the 2024 season was a challenging year for Shapen. He managed to throw for 974 yards and eight touchdowns before a season-ending injury cut his campaign short. Thankfully, he received a medical hardship waiver that allows him to return for the 2025 season, and he is more than ready to get back to work and lead his team.
The Backup Battle Heats Up
While Shapen has secured his starting role, the competition for the backup quarterback position is heating up! The Bulldogs’ roster features a diverse group of talented QBs, including:
- Luke Kromenhoek: A transfer from Florida State, Kromenhoek comes in with a strong background, having been ranked the No. 3 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class. During his time at FSU, he played in six games and threw for 502 passing yards, with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
- Kamario Taylor: This highly regarded freshman is already drawing comparisons to NFL superstar Cam Newton! After attending the 2023 Manning Passing Academy and leading his high school team to three state championships, Taylor chose Mississippi State over notable programs like Georgia and Texas A&M. His high school accolades definitely add to the excitement around his potential.
- Parker Puckett: Puckett arrives at Mississippi State after an impressive high school career at Jackson Prep. He boasts 4,822 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, complemented by 1,130 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns. His versatility could certainly make him a key player as the backup.
Coach’s Confidence in the Quarterback Room
The Bulldogs’ head coach, Jeff Lebby, has expressed confidence in the quarterback room, emphasizing the critical nature of high-level performance at the position. The excitement surrounding Shapen’s return, coupled with the talent of Kromenhoek, Taylor, and Puckett, certainly suggests better days are ahead for Mississippi State.
Future Prospects
After a tough 2024 season that saw the Bulldogs struggle to a 2-10 record and remain winless in SEC play, Shapen’s injury played a significant role in the team’s woes. However, his completion rate of 68.5% and solid touchdown-to-interception ratio reflect a promising skill level that fans are hoping to see in full swing this year.
Furthermore, improvements in the Bulldogs’ rushing game should help bolster offensive effectiveness, giving Shapen and his teammates the support they need to succeed on the field. With the 2025 season around the corner, the anticipation for this new chapter is palpable.
Conclusion: Ready for the Challenge
With Shapen at the helm and an eager group of QBs vying for the backup spot, the Mississippi State Bulldogs are embracing the upcoming season with renewed hope and high expectations. As practices ramp up and fans gear up to cheer for their team, one thing is certain: Starkville is ready for an exciting year of football!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Move-In Week Welcomes New Students to Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University Continues Baseball Legacy
Ally Perry Named to Midfielders To Watch List
Bulldogs Showcase Defensive Strength in Preseason Scrimmage
Controversy Erupts Over Art Briles’ Attendance at MSU Practice
Da’Marion Bothwell’s Resilience Shines at Mississippi State
Mississippi State Soccer Welcomes Recognition for Ally Perry
Starkville’s Swing Dance Scene Shines at Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University Welcomes Junior College Transfer Jahron Manning
Former MSU Player Faces Assault Charges in Court
Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: The Daily Bark – Predicting Mississippi State 2025 Quarterback Depth Chart
- CBS Sports: Mississippi State QB Blake Shapen Focused on Health Breakout
- On3: Jeff Lebby Gives Honest Assessment of Mississippi State Backup QB Battle
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
