Starkville, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Mississippi State University is preparing for the upcoming football season with significant roster changes and improvements focused on the punting game and defensive performance. After a disappointing last season, the Bulldogs are optimistic about their new 5-star punter and the potential for improved overall performance. Key player departures have raised concerns, but the team is looking forward to its opening game against Southern Miss, aiming for a better record this time around.
Starkville – Mississippi State University is gearing up for the 2025 football season with significant roster changes and focused improvements, particularly in their punting game and defensive performance. After finishing the previous season with a disappointing 2-10 record, including a winless showing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Bulldogs are hopeful for better outcomes in the upcoming season.
The Bulldogs ranked ninth-fewest in the nation for punts last season, managing only 44, even less than prominent teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State. Despite the low number of punts, Mississippi State achieved an average of 41.8 net punting yards, placing them 14th nationally. They also played solidly with no punts returned for touchdowns, thanks to last season’s punter, Nick Barr-Mira, who executed 14 punts of 50 yards or more, with a longest punt of 60 yards.
However, Barr-Mira has departed Starkville, paving the way for his replacement, a highly talented 5-star punter named Pulliam. Rated as the No. 1 punter in Mississippi and No. 9 in the nation, Pulliam was instrumental for Starkville High School’s 2022 6A state championship team. While he initially signed with the Bulldogs to play both football and baseball, Pulliam is focusing solely on football this season, which already has fans excited about his potential impact.
The Bulldogs will kick off their 2025 season against Southern Miss on August 30 at 11 a.m., broadcasted on ESPN. Coach Jeff Lebby, in his second season with the Bulldogs, is keen on improving from last year’s performance, building on a season that not only featured the poor record but also a rushing defense that was the worst in the SEC, allowing an average of 34.1 points per game. The team also struggled with pass rushing, finishing at the bottom for both sacks and yards allowed.
Adding to the challenges, the Bulldogs have seen significant roster changes. Top cornerback Brice Pollock has transferred to Texas Tech, causing concerns in the secondary. Additionally, they lost their leading receiver, Kevin Coleman Jr., who transferred to Missouri, creating a need for more targets to be utilized among a deeper wide receiver room than in previous seasons. Expected top pass catchers for 2025 include Anthony Evans III, Seydou Traore, Jordan Mosley, Brenen Thompson, and Ricky Johnson.
Predictions suggest a potential improvement for the Bulldogs in overall performance, with projected outcomes forecasting a record of approximately 4-8 for the 2025 season. However, the schedule includes tough opponents, with four teams that made the College Football Playoff in the last season, indicating that the path to success won’t be easy.
As Mississippi State prepares for the 2025 season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how effective the changes in their punting and defensive strategies translate into results on the field.
Key Features of Mississippi State Football Season 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Season Record | 2-10 (winless in SEC) |
| New Punter | Pulliam (5-star, No. 1 in Mississippi) |
| Punt Statistics | 44 punts, 14th in net punting, 41.8 net yards |
| Opening Game | August 30 vs. Southern Miss, 11 a.m. on ESPN |
| Key Offseason Losses | Brice Pollock (transferred to Texas Tech), Kevin Coleman Jr. (transferred to Missouri) |
| Projected Record | 4-8 for the 2025 season |
FAQ
What is the Mississippi State Bulldog’s record for the 2024 season?
Mississippi State finished the 2024 season with a record of 2-10, having no wins in the SEC.
Who is the new punter for Mississippi State?
The new punter is Pulliam, a 5-star recruit who was rated as the top punter in Mississippi and the ninth in the nation.
When does Mississippi State open their 2025 season?
The Bulldogs will open their 2025 season against Southern Miss on August 30 at 11 a.m., televised on ESPN.
What are some key concerns for the Bulldogs heading into the 2025 season?
Concerns include the departure of top cornerback Brice Pollock, the loss of leading receiver Kevin Coleman Jr., and overall defensive weaknesses observed in the 2024 season.
What improvements are projected for the Bulldogs in the 2025 season?
Early predictions suggest a possible improvement, projecting a record of approximately 4-8 for the upcoming season, noting a better distribution of targets among a deeper wide receiver group.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Football Depth Chart Update
- Sports Illustrated: How to Watch Mississippi State vs Southern Miss
- Hail State: Bulldogs Host No. 10 Wake Forest
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Google Search: Mississippi State Football 2025
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.
