News Summary
The Mississippi State football program is gearing up for the 2025 season amidst significant challenges following a tough transition period recently. With a disappointing 5-7 record in 2023 and a projected 2-10 performance in 2024, the Bulldogs must secure at least four wins in upcoming crucial matchups, including games against Southern Miss and Arkansas, to achieve bowl eligibility. Reflecting on its storied history, Mississippi State has faced numerous hurdles, but the team’s resilience will be tested as they strive for success under new leadership.
Starkville, Mississippi – The Mississippi State football program is facing new challenges heading into the 2025 season following a tumultuous period marked by recent coaching changes and disappointing performance. In 2023, the Bulldogs concluded their campaign with a 5-7 record, marking a difficult start to the post-Mike Leach era. This comes on the heels of a projected 2-10 performance in 2024, during which they failed to secure an SEC win.
To qualify for bowl eligibility in 2025, Mississippi State will need to win at least four games. Crucial matchups in their upcoming schedule include games against Southern Miss, Arizona State, Arkansas, and Missouri. These contests will be pivotal in determining the Bulldogs’ prospects for the season ahead.
The Mississippi State football program has experienced a roller-coaster trajectory throughout its history, often searching for a stable identity. Established in 1892, the team faced numerous interruptions, including a yellow fever epidemic and the Spanish-American Civil War, which temporarily halted play until 1901 when the program achieved its first victory against Ole Miss, winning 17-0.
Historical Milestones
Football at Mississippi A&M College began with a game between faculty and students, ending in a 4-0 victory for the faculty. The school’s first intercollegiate game, however, took place in 1895, resulting in a loss to Southwestern Baptist. The team’s early colors of maroon and white were established by coach and captain W.M. Mathews.
In 1905, the establishment of the school’s first football facility marked a significant milestone, allowing for the team’s first forward pass. Fred Furman, appointed the first full-time coach in 1907, revitalized the program, achieving multiple victories, including against Ole Miss. By 1933, Mississippi State became one of the founding members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Post-SEC membership, the program faced financial difficulties and performance challenges, limiting their wins for several years. In 1934, with President George Duke Humphrey at the helm, football gained renewed focus, leading to the hiring of a successful coach. The 1935 season included a notable victory over Alabama and concluded with an 8-3 record. The Bulldogs achieved their first bowl appearance in 1936 but lost to Duquesne in the Orange Bowl.
In 1941, under coach Allyn McKeen, they secured their only SEC Championship. World War II caused the program to suspend operations during the 1943 season, and post-war years were marred by poor performance and NCAA sanctions.
Significant Coaching Changes
The Bulldogs began to turn the tide with Sylvester Croom, the first black head coach in the SEC, who led the team to notable victories before departing. Dan Mullen further elevated Mississippi State’s status between 2009 and 2017, during which the team reached rankings as high as No. 1 and secured multiple bowl appearances.
However, the recent passing of coach Mike Leach introduced substantial challenges for the program. Following Leach’s exit, the team struggled, as seen in their 5-7 finish in 2023, and faced low expectations for 2024. The 2-10 forecast highlighted the uphill battle the Bulldogs face in recruiting and training under new leadership.
As the Bulldogs gear up for the 2025 season, the importance of the upcoming games becomes clearer. The team’s resilience and commitment to improvement will be tested as they seek to secure victories and revive their standing within the SEC.
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Mississippi State Football Prepares for Upcoming Season
Starkville Academy Athletic Department Announces Leadership Changes
Starkville School District Kicks Off New Academic Year
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Mississippi State Gears Up for New Football Season
Mississippi State Bulldogs Projected Last in SEC Standings
Additional Resources
- 247Sports: 2025 Mississippi State Football
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Schedule 2025
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football
- 247Sports: Bulldog Football Preseason Offense Questions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- 247Sports: Mississippi State College Football Recruiting Update 2027
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Football History
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.
