2025 SEC Team Profile: Mississippi State Bulldogs Fight Back

Key Players

• Blake Shapen (QB, Gr.): The presumed starting quarterback returns after missing much of last season due to injury. His health and ability to lead Mississippi State’s offense will be paramount to the Bulldogs’ success. He was highly rated by Pro Football Focus before his injury in 2024.
• Davon Booth (RB, Gr.): A versatile back who led the team in all-purpose yards last season (1,231). He’ll be a central figure in the running game and a key weapon in the passing attack.
• Isaac Smith (S, Jr.): A standout safety who led the SEC with 127 tackles last season. He’s a hybrid safety/linebacker and a critical leader on the defensive side of the ball.
• Jahron Manning (S, Sr.): A transfer from Old Dominion who was Third-Team All-Sun Belt in 2024. He brings immediate experience and production to the secondary, with 85 tackles and 3 interceptions last year.
• Red Hibbler (DE, Gr.): A transfer from NC State, Hibbler is expected to bolster a pass rush that was severely lacking in 2024. His ability to generate pressure will be key for the defense.
• Jalen Smith (LB, R-So.): An SEC All-Freshman linebacker transfer from Tennessee who will be looked upon to make a significant impact in the linebacker corps.

Mississippi State Depth Chart (Projected)

Offense

• QB: Blake Shapen (Gr.) / Luke Kromenhoek (So.)
• RB: Davon Booth (Gr.) / Fluff Bothwell (So.)
• WR (X): Jordan Mosley (Sr.) / Ayden Williams (Jr.)
• WR (Z): Brenen Thompson (Sr.) / Markus Allen (Sr.)
• WR (Slot): Anthony Evans III (Jr.) / Ricky Johnson (R-Fr.)
• TE: Seydou Traore (Sr.) / Cameron Ball (Jr.)
• LT: Jacoby Jackson (Sr.) / Trevor Mayberry (Gr.)
• LG: Koby Keenum (So.) / Brennan Smith (Sr.)
• C: Albert Reese IV (Sr.) / Canon Boone (Sr.)
• RG: Luke Work (So.) / Jayvin James (So.)
• RT: Blake Steen (Jr.) / Jimothy Lewis (R-Fr.)

Defense

• DE: Red Hibbler (Gr.) / Deonte Anderson (Sr.)
• DT: Will Whitson (Gr.) / Kalvin Dinkins (Jr.)
• DT: Jamil Burroughs (Jr.) / Trevion Williams (So.)
• EDGE/OLB: Branden Jennings (Sr.) / Malick Sylla (Sr.)
• ILB: Jalen Smith (R-So.) / Derion Gullette (R-So.)
• ILB: Zakari Tillman (Jr.) / Nic Mitchell (Sr.)
• S (Hybrid): Isaac Smith (Jr.) / Braylon Burnside (So.)
• S: Jahron Manning (Sr.) / Hunter Washington (R-Sr.)
• S: Tony Mitchell (Jr.) / Brylan Lanier (R-Sr.)
• CB: Kelley Jones (R-So.) / Dwight Lewis III (R-Sr.)
• CB: DeAgo Brumfield (R-Sr.) / Jayven Williams (R-Jr.)

Special Teams

• K: Kyle Ferrie (Jr.)
• P: Ethan Pulliam (So.)
• Returners: Davon Booth (Gr.), others TBD

Mississippi State Full Schedule

Key Games Focus

Here are 2-3 key games that could define Mississippi State’s 2025 season:

1. September 6 vs. Arizona State: This early non-conference matchup is a crucial measuring stick. Arizona State defeated the Bulldogs 30-23 in 2024, and this rematch in Starkville provides an immediate opportunity for State to show how much they’ve improved. A win here would build confidence before the challenging SEC slate begins.
2. October 25 vs. Texas: This is arguably the biggest home game of the season. Texas, led by Arch Manning, is a national championship contender and will draw significant attention. While a win would be a massive upset, a competitive showing against a top-tier opponent at home could be a moral victory and demonstrate the program’s progress under Lebby. It’s also a chance to make a statement in the new-look SEC.
3. November 28 vs. Ole Miss (Egg Bowl): The annual rivalry game is always a must-win for both programs, regardless of records. This year, it’s a Black Friday matchup in Starkville. After a tough 2024 season, ending with a victory over their archrival would be a significant boost for the program and provide momentum heading into the offseason. The Egg Bowl always brings out the best in both teams, and a win here could salvage an otherwise difficult SEC campaign.