News Summary
Mississippi State University has appointed Phil Loadholt as the new offensive line coach, a move that has already proven fruitful with three-star lineman Camron Thompson committing to the Bulldogs. Thompson, who is set to graduate from Jenkins High School soon, opted for Mississippi State over top programs like Ole Miss and Auburn, citing Loadholt’s honest approach to coaching as a significant factor. Loadholt’s prior experience in the NFL and recent coaching stint at Colorado may greatly enhance the team’s offensive capabilities moving forward.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University’s football program recently made headlines with the hiring of Phil Loadholt as their new offensive line coach. This change has already begun to show positive results, as the Bulldogs secured a commitment from highly regarded three-star lineman Camron Thompson over the weekend.
Thompson, who is set to graduate from Jenkins High School in December, has expressed gratitude toward Loadholt for his support throughout the recruitment process. The lineman chose Mississippi State over multiple offers from prominent programs, including Ole Miss, Auburn, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Louisville, and Memphis. His decision signals a notable win for the Bulldogs, who aim to strengthen their offensive line amidst recent challenges.
During his recruitment, Thompson appreciated Loadholt’s straightforward coaching style, noting that he values the honesty and focus Loadholt brings to player development. Being part of the 2026 recruiting class, Thompson’s commitment is considered an essential addition to bolster an offensive line that suffered significant losses last season. With Thompson planning to enroll at Mississippi State in January for spring practices, he is eager to contribute to the team’s success.
Loadholt’s arrival in Starkville follows a season spent as an offensive line assistant with Deion Sanders at Colorado. Before moving into coaching, Loadholt had an accomplished playing career, spending seven seasons in the NFL and starting 89 games for the Minnesota Vikings. His experience both as a player and a coach may bode well for the development of Mississippi State’s offensive line.
Since Loadholt’s hiring, Mississippi State has seen a positive shift in recruitment, accumulating five commitments from high school players alone, along with nine from the transfer portal. This influx of talent is indicative of Loadholt’s recruiting abilities, which not only bring players to Mississippi State but also enhance the overall competitiveness of the program.
Thompson’s commitment also continues a family legacy in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), as his older brother played at Georgia. This family connection further motivates Thompson to maintain and extend their SECe heritage, showcasing the depth of talent and tradition within the program.
As the Bulldogs prepare for the upcoming season, the hiring of Phil Loadholt and the commitment from Camron Thompson reflect an optimistic outlook for the offensive line. Mississippi State is hopeful that Loadholt’s skills will lead to improved performance on the field, despite the challenges posed by last year’s losses. However, with Loadholt’s apparent effectiveness in recruiting, there is concern about the potential of other programs courting him away in the future.
In summary, Mississippi State’s recent recruitment milestones highlight a period of rejuvenation for the football program, led by the promising addition of Camron Thompson under Coach Phil Loadholt’s guidance. As they move forward, the Bulldogs aim to leverage this momentum to enhance their competitive edge in the SEC.
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Additional Resources
- SI.com: What it Means for Mississippi State
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
- On3: Camron Thompson Commits to Mississippi State
- Google Search: Phil Loadholt
- HailState.com: Coaching Staff Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College 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.
