Starkville, Mississippi, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State Bulldogs will take the field against Northern Illinois at Davis Wade Stadium. After a strong start to the football season, the Bulldogs aim to continue their winning streak. Recent performances show promise, including a thrilling comeback win against Arizona State. Looking ahead, Mississippi State faces challenges in the upcoming SEC schedule with key matches against Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Alabama. Fans can catch the live action on SEC Network as the Bulldogs strive to capitalize on their momentum.
Starkville, Mississippi – The Mississippi State Bulldogs are set to take the field against Northern Illinois at Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday, with the game scheduled to kick off at 3:15 p.m. CT. This matchup comes on the heels of a successful three-game winning streak to start the 2025 football season. Fans can catch the action live on the SEC Network, marking a significant opportunity for the Bulldogs to build on their momentum.
Mississippi State’s recent performance has been impressive, including a thrilling win against No. 12 Arizona State, where they overcame a 17-point deficit to secure a 24-20 victory. In that game, Mississippi State showcased their resilience, particularly with a crucial 58-yard touchdown reception from Blake Shapen to Brennan Thompson, regaining the lead with just 30 seconds remaining. Raleek Brown was a standout for the Bulldogs, rushing for 110 yards, while Kanye Udoh contributed significantly with 105 yards and a touchdown.
Looking ahead, Mississippi State will have new challenges in the 2026 season as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) transitions from an eight-game to a nine-game conference schedule. Their annual SEC opponents for the 2026 season will be Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Alabama. The SEC will announce the full schedule of opponents for each team on September 23 at 6 p.m. on the SEC Network.
The matchup against Ole Miss is particularly notable as it is a traditional rivalry due to the longstanding Egg Bowl. This iconic game has been moved from Thanksgiving to Black Friday, with the 2025 Egg Bowl also scheduled at Davis Wade Stadium on that date. Geographical considerations make the rivalry even more significant, as Ole Miss is a key competitor, located just a short distance away.
Alabama, another critical opponent for Mississippi State, holds a storied rivalry with the Bulldogs. The Crimson Tide lead the all-time series with a record of 87-18-3 and have won 16 consecutive games against Mississippi State, with their last encounter resulting in a 40-17 defeat for the Bulldogs in 2023. In contrast, Mississippi State has performed well against Vanderbilt, leading the series 15-7-2 and winning the last five matchups, the latest being in 2021.
As for the upcoming game against Northern Illinois, Mississippi State will look to maintain their winning streak and continue their strong start to the season. Arizona State’s recent performance suggests potential weaknesses in their defense, which the Bulldogs could exploit. They will need to apply pressure consistently and keep up their offensive momentum to secure a victory.
Game dates for the full 2026 SEC schedule will be revealed in December, adding to the anticipation for both teams and their fans as they look forward to the future of Southeastern Conference football.
FAQ
When will Mississippi State play against Northern Illinois?
Mississippi State is set to face Northern Illinois on Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CT at Davis Wade Stadium.
How has Mississippi State performed this season?
Mississippi State has won three consecutive games to start the 2025 football season.
What will be the annual SEC opponents for Mississippi State in 2026?
Mississippi State’s three annual SEC opponents from the 2026 season will be Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Alabama.
How does the SEC schedule change in 2026?
The SEC is transitioning from an eight-game to a nine-game conference schedule starting in 2026.
When will the full slate of SEC opponents for each team be announced?
The full slate of SEC opponents for each team will be announced on September 23 at 6 p.m. on SEC Network.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Upcoming Game | Mississippi State vs. Northern Illinois on Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CT |
| Recent Wins | Three consecutive wins to start the 2025 season |
| Key Opponents in 2026 | Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Alabama |
| SEC Schedule Change | Transitioning from eight-game to nine-game schedule in 2026 |
| Next Schedule Announcement | September 23 at 6 p.m. on SEC Network |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mississippi State Bulldogs Improve to 4-0 with Victory
Mississippi State Soccer Team Draws with Auburn
Mississippi State Bulldogs Aiming for Stronger SEC Start
Mississippi State Baseball Prepares for Fall Scrimmage Series
Tennessee Faces Undefeated Mississippi State in Road Matchup
Tupelo Ranks First in Mississippi High School Football
Mississippi State Bulldogs Maintain Perfect Record with Win Over Northern Illinois
Tennessee Football Faces Mississippi State in Starkville
Mississippi State Football Announces Annual SEC Opponents
Tennessee Opens as 8.5-Point Favorite Against Mississippi State
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Schedule 2026
- Hail State: Football vs Northern Illinois Gallery
- AZ Central: ASU Football Mississippi State Game Payment
- MaxPreps: Football Recap Louisville vs Starkville
- C Dispatch: West Point Runs Over Starkville
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Google News: Mississippi State Football
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.
