Starkville MS, August 21, 2025
News Summary
As the Mississippi State Bulldogs prepare for the upcoming football season, their wide receiver group is receiving commendations from coaches and players alike. Led by notable returning talents like Jordan Mosley and Ricky Johnson, alongside promising new recruits, the unit is expected to shine this season. Their impressive speed and depth aim to enhance the team’s fast-paced offense, showcasing a blend of maturity and potential in the roster that could lead to significant success on the field.
Starkville, Mississippi – As the Mississippi State Bulldogs prepare for the 2025 football season, their wide receiver room is receiving high praise from coaches, opponents, and starting quarterback Blake Shapen. This recognition highlights the depth and talent that the team has accumulated, making it one of the standout units heading into the new season.
Shapen, who has played with various receivers throughout his career, regards the current group as the most talented he has ever experienced. The team boasts key returning players including Jordan Mosley, Ricky Johnson, and Frisco McGee, along with new additions that promise to bolster the offense, such as Anthony Evans and Brenen Thompson. The presence of this mix of seasoned players and newcomers is anticipated to drive the team’s success.
The Bulldogs’ wide receiver room is particularly noted for its depth and speed. Many players are clocking impressive times, reportedly running 40-yard dashes in just 4.3 seconds. This combination of speed and skilled athletes will be crucial for executing the team’s fast-paced offense, which necessitates multiple capable playmakers on the field at any given time.
Among the rising stars, Ricky Johnson is drawing attention as a redshirt freshman. He had a standout high school career, with a total of 118 receptions for 2,053 yards and 27 touchdowns. In particular, Johnson’s senior year was remarkable, leading to a total of 1,213 receiving yards. His impressive resume earned him offers from several prestigious programs, including Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt, Stanford, UCF, and Minnesota, but he ultimately chose Mississippi State.
Although Johnson saw limited action as a true freshman, he redshirted last year, which allows him to preserve his eligibility while gaining valuable experience. With the offseason behind him, coaches expect Johnson to take on a more significant role this upcoming season. His growth has not gone unnoticed, with the wide receiver coach remarking on his maturity and progress from his first to second year within the program.
The wide receiver strategy at Mississippi State is designed to maximize player contributions. The depth chart will feature three starters, but the coaching staff aims to rotate multiple players into the lineup to keep opposing defenses guessing. This approach is especially important following the departure of key players such as Kevin Coleman Jr., leaving Jordan Mosley as the only returning wide receiver with notable catch statistics.
Additionally, the team has brought in Markus Allen, a transfer from Eastern Michigan known for his experience and past performance, as well as Brenen Thompson from Oklahoma and Anthony Evans III from Georgia, who bring different skill sets but lack significant collegiate production. Ayden Williams from Ole Miss is also set to play a pivotal role. Their integration into the offensive scheme will be an important focal point as the Bulldogs build for success.
Coaches have emphasized the unselfishness and bonded nature of the team, suggesting that this camaraderie will pave the way for a successful season. The prospects for Ricky Johnson and fellow redshirt freshman Sanfrisco Magee to contribute meaningfully in their second year demonstrate the commitment to player development that aims to attract future recruits to the program.
In summary, the Bulldogs’ wide receiver room is poised for a breakout season with a combination of promising young talent, impactful transfers, and a strategy focused on maximizing their collective strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the key returning players for Mississippi State’s wide receiver room?
The key returning players include Jordan Mosley, Ricky Johnson, and Frisco McGee.
What makes the Bulldogs’ wide receiver room notable?
The wide receiver room is recognized for its depth and speed, with several players running 40-yard dashes in 4.3 seconds.
What is Ricky Johnson’s background?
Ricky Johnson was a standout in high school with 118 receptions for 2,053 yards and 27 touchdowns, and he redshirted as a true freshman at Mississippi State.
Who are some new additions to the wide receiver room?
New additions include Anthony Evans, Brenen Thompson, and Markus Allen, among others.
Key Features of Mississippi State’s Wide Receiver Room
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Returning Players | Jordan Mosley, Ricky Johnson, Frisco McGee |
| New Additions | Anthony Evans, Brenen Thompson, Markus Allen |
| Speed | Players running 40-yard dashes in 4.3 seconds |
| Offensive Strategy | Multiple playmakers with a deep rotation |
| Player Development Focus | Observed growth in young talent, particularly Ricky Johnson |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Mississippi State Football Prepares for Roster Overhaul
Mississippi State Secures Commitment from Jayden Cration
Mississippi State University Boosts Football Recruitment
Zayion Cotton Commits to Mississippi State University
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Additional Resources
- 247 Sports: Braylon Lane
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Maroon and White Nation: Mississippi State Football Needs Potential
- Google Search: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Sports Illustrated: Ricky Johnson
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Football Wide Receiver
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Receivers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- On3: Mississippi State Football Countdown
- Google News: Mississippi State Football News
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.
