Blog Article
Mississippi State Football 2025 Season Preview: Bulldogs Poised for Significant Improvement Under Jeff Lebby
Jeff Lebby’s second season at Mississippi State represents the most critical juncture in recent program history.
After enduring a brutal 2-10 campaign that saw the Bulldogs finish winless in SEC play, everything about this team has been rebuilt from the ground up. The transfer portal became Mississippi State’s best friend. The recruiting class jumped into the top 30 nationally. And perhaps most importantly, the quarterback who showed flashes of brilliance before injury is coming back for another shot.
The question isn’t whether Mississippi State will be better in 2025.
The question is whether they’ll be good enough to survive one of the most punishing schedules in college football.
Blake Shapen’s Return Changes Everything
The most significant development for Mississippi State heading into 2025 is the return of quarterback Blake Shapen.
After receiving a medical hardship waiver, Shapen announced his decision to come back for a sixth season. The Baylor transfer started the Bulldogs’ first four games of 2024 before a shoulder injury ended his season prematurely. But what he showed in those four games was exactly what Jeff Lebby’s offense needed:
- 68.5% completion percentage
- 243.5 yards per game
- 8 touchdowns to just 1 interception
- 2 rushing touchdowns
“Blake’s decision to return for the 2025 season after his season-ending shoulder injury in Week 4 last year provides crucial stability,” notes former Mississippi State quarterback Jackie Sherrill.
His return isn’t just about talent—it’s about continuity in a system that desperately needs it.
The Transfer Portal Became Mississippi State’s Salvation
Mississippi State attacked the transfer portal like their program depended on it.
Because it did.
The defensive line—arguably the team’s biggest weakness in 2024—received a complete overhaul:
- Will Whitson from Coastal Carolina (former Senior Bowl candidate)
- Jamil Burroughs from Alabama/Miami
- Jaray Bledsoe from Texas
- Red Hibbler from NC State
- Raishein Thomas from Northern Illinois
The secondary was reinforced with Old Dominion safety Jahron Manning (85 tackles, 3 interceptions in 2024) and Marian corner Dwight Lewis III. Tennessee transfer Jalen Smith brings veteran leadership to the linebacker position after Stone Blanton’s departure to the NFL.
On offense, the receiver room added six transfers, including Brenen Thompson from Oklahoma and Anthony Evans III from Georgia. Running back Davon Booth returns after leading the team in rushing, now paired with South Alabama transfer Fluff Bothwell (7.5 yards per carry in 2024).
This wasn’t just roster management—this was program reconstruction.
Recruiting Finally Shows Signs of Life
The 2025 recruiting class ranks 26th nationally.
For a program that has struggled to attract top talent, this represents massive progress. Mississippi State signed 27 players, with four four-star prospects:
- Quarterback KaMario Taylor
- Linebacker Tyler Lockhart
- Edge rusher Tyshun Willis
- Cornerback Kyle Johnson
This recruiting success reflects Lebby’s emphasis on building depth while maintaining focus on in-state prospects. The class provides both immediate contributors and long-term development pieces as the program works to close the talent gap with SEC elite programs.
The Schedule Flip Could Be a Game-Changer
Here’s what makes 2025 different: Mississippi State gets to play its toughest opponents at home.
After playing four 2024 College Football Playoff teams on the road last season, the Bulldogs welcome those same four teams to Starkville in 2025:
- Arizona State (Sept. 6)
- Tennessee (Sept. 27)
- Texas (Oct. 25)
- Georgia (Nov. 8)
The season opens with a road trip to Southern Miss (Aug. 30), then the home opener against Arizona State. Alcorn State and Northern Illinois round out the non-conference schedule before the SEC gauntlet begins.
Critical road games include Texas A&M (Oct. 4), Florida (Oct. 18), Arkansas (Nov. 1), and Missouri (Nov. 15). The traditional Egg Bowl against Ole Miss concludes the season at home (Nov. 28).
This home-and-away flip gives Mississippi State home-field advantage for their most challenging contests—and that could make all the difference.
Defense Gets a Complete Makeover
The 2024 defense was historically bad.
34.1 points allowed per game. 456.4 yards surrendered per game. Both numbers are dead last in the SEC. The defensive line couldn’t generate pressure, couldn’t stop the run, and frankly looked overmatched every Saturday.
The transformation has been dramatic. Spring practice reports indicated immediate improvement, with the revamped defensive line generating six sacks in the spring game. Safety Isaac Smith returns as the anchor after recording 127 tackles in 2024, providing veteran leadership for a unit that must improve dramatically.
The additions aren’t just about talent—they’re about changing the entire culture of a defense that got pushed around for an entire season.
Jeff Lebby Faces His Defining Moment
“What Jeff is building takes time, but the signs are encouraging,” former Mississippi State coach Jackie Sherrill said at a recent booster event. “The SEC West isn’t forgiving, but neither is standing still. The program is moving forward.”
But forward isn’t fast enough for everyone.
Lebby enters his second season under intense pressure to show tangible progress. The roster overhaul was necessary. The recruiting improvements are promising. The quarterback situation is stabilized.
Now he has to win games.
External projections place Mississippi State’s win total at approximately 4.5 games. ESPN’s FPI rankings have the Bulldogs at 52nd nationally—a notable improvement, but still far from SEC respectability.
The margin for error is razor-thin. Early momentum from non-conference victories is essential. Pulling off at least one significant SEC upset might be the difference between job security and a coaching search.
The Keys to Exceeding Expectations
For Mississippi State to surprise people in 2025, several things must happen perfectly:
- The defensive line transformation must translate into consistent pressure and run-stopping ability
- Blake Shapen must stay healthy and continue his efficient play
- The offensive line must gel quickly to protect the quarterback
- Costly turnovers and penalties (minus-six turnover margin in 2024) must be eliminated
The pieces are in place for significant improvement. The talent level is higher. The depth is better. The culture is changing.
But in the SEC, good intentions don’t win football games.
What Success Looks Like
Mississippi State doesn’t need to win the SEC in 2025.
They need to look like a program moving in the right direction. They need to be competitive in games they’re supposed to lose. They need to win the games they’re supposed to win. And they need to steal one or two that they’re not supposed to win.
Bowl eligibility would be a massive step forward. Beating Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl would erase a lot of frustration. Winning at Arkansas or Florida could provide momentum heading into the 2026 season.
Success will be measured not just in wins and losses, but in competitiveness, development, and the establishment of a sustainable program foundation.
The 2025 season represents a pivotal moment for Mississippi State football, with the potential to either validate Jeff Lebby’s vision or send the program back to the drawing board once again.
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