Jeff Lebby enters his third season at Mississippi State after the Bulldogs went 1-7 in SEC play in 2025. Kamario Taylor takes over at quarterback following Blake Shapen’s departure, while Fluff Bothwell returns at running back. Anthony Evans returns after leading Mississippi State with 67 receptions last season, while Sam West returns at tight end and Missouri transfer Marquis Johnson joins the receiving corps. Center Canon Boone returns as a full-time starter after making 13 starts last season, while Blake Steen returns after starting the only game he appeared in during 2025. LSU transfer D.J. Chester also joins the offensive line.
Zach Arnett returns to Starkville as defensive coordinator. Mississippi State returns five of its top eleven tacklers from last season, although its top three have departed. At linebacker, Zakari Tillman returns as a full-time starter after making 10 starts last season. Jalen Smith and Derion Gullette also return after finishing among the Bulldogs’ top eleven tacklers, with Gullette making two starts in 2025. The defensive front returns significant starting experience with Kalvin Dinkins and Trevion Williams back after making nine and seven starts, respectively. Texas A&M transfer Dealyn Evans and Florida State transfer Amaree Williams also join the group. The secondary returns full-time starter Kelley Jones after making 13 starts last season, while Isaac Smith returns after making nine. Iowa State transfer Quentin Taylor joins the group after making six starts in 2025, while Oklahoma transfer Kendel Dolby and LSU transfer Jardin Gilbert add additional experience. Five-star freshman Bralan Womack also joins the secondary.
Cliff Odom enters his third season as special teams coordinator with Kyle Ferrie returning at placekicker and Ethan Pulliam returning at punter. Anthony Evans returns as the primary punt returner, while Kolin Wilson, Xavier Gayten, and Camden Capehart are among the options in the kickoff-return game. Mississippi State enters 2026 with established returning production at running back and receiver, while five of its top eleven tacklers return on defense.