News Summary
Mississippi State football is preparing to recover from a tough 2024 season marked by a 2-10 record. Players like linebacker Nic Mitchell are focusing on growth and resilience as the Bulldogs gear up for their 2025 opener against Southern Miss. With changes in the quarterback position and a need for improved defensive play, the team aims to secure at least four wins for bowl eligibility while leveraging the experience of returning athletes and coaching stability under head coach Jeff Lebby.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State football is gearing up to bounce back in the 2025 season after a challenging 2024 campaign that ended with a disappointing 2-10 record and no wins in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Following a year filled with struggles, both players and coaches are focused on building a more competitive team and learning from past mistakes as the season approaches.
The Bulldogs’ season opener is set for August 30 against Southern Miss, as they aim to reclaim their strength in a tough conference. Linebacker Nic Mitchell, who is preparing for his final collegiate season, has emphasized the importance of reflecting on the past while looking forward to his goal of finishing as a winner. Mitchell joined Mississippi State as a three-star prospect from Mandarin High School, where he amassed nearly 200 total tackles and a state championship before entering college football. After redshirting his initial year, he became a starting linebacker in 2024, recording 80 tackles, three tackles for loss (TFLs), and two pass breakups.
Mitchell’s return is crucial for the Bulldogs as they push for stability in a roster that is increasingly affected by player transfers. The team added new linebackers through the transfer portal, which should not only bolster the defensive unit but also lessen Mitchell’s workload on the field. A significant area for improvement will be the Bulldogs’ defense, which finished last in the SEC for scoring and total defense in 2024. With the help of returning players like Mitchell, Branden Jennings, and safety Isaac Smith—who led the team in tackles—the Bulldogs hope to enhance their defensive performance this season.
On the offensive end, the Bulldogs are facing some uncertainty in their quarterback situation. Senior Blake Shapen, who previously started for Baylor, returns to the field after a shoulder injury sidelined him in 2024. He brings valuable experience to the position as the team looks for improved gameplay to climb back into bowl eligibility. Alongside Shapen, sophomore transfer Luke Kromenhoek and freshman KaMario Taylor are competing for the backup role, with Kromenhoek showing promise from his stint at Florida State. Taylor, a highly regarded recruit, has already made noticeable gains in his physical development since joining the team.
In addition to the changing quarterback situation, Mississippi State will also rely on returning offensive weapons, including running backs Davon Booth and Johnnie Daniels, along with tight end Seydou Traore. These athletes will need to step up their game, particularly in light of the offensive line’s recent struggles, which allowed 38 sacks last season. While there are returning starters on the line, improvement is needed to foster a more productive offense.
The Bulldogs are set for a tough schedule in 2025, featuring opponents that reached the College Football Playoff, such as Arizona State, Georgia, and Tennessee. To achieve bowl eligibility, the team will likely need to improve on their previous record and secure at least four more wins this season. With the coaching staff remaining largely unchanged, Jeff Lebby is returning for his second year as head coach. His leadership will be crucial as the Bulldogs work to make significant improvements across both their offense and defense while navigating the demanding SEC landscape.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Mississippi State Quarterback Room Blends Experience & Youth
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Schedule 2025
- WagerTalk: 2025 Mississippi State Football Preview
- Whole Hog Sports: Mississippi State Looks to Build in Year 2
- Maroon and White Nation: Mississippi State’s Five Most Important Transfers of 2025
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football 2025
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State University
- 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.
