Jeff Lebby enters his third season at Mississippi State after the Bulldogs went 1-7 in SEC play in 2025. In the backfield, Kamario Taylor takes over after Blake Shapen departs, while Fluff Bothwell returns at running back. Update (Oct. 13): QB Kamario Taylor aggravated a foot injury against Alabama and remains day-to-day. His availability for the October 17 matchup against LSU is uncertain. Through the air, 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. Up front, 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, and Jalen Smith and Derion Gullette also return after finishing among the Bulldogs’ top eleven tacklers, with Gullette making two starts in 2025. Up front, the defensive front returns significant starting experience, with Kalvin Dinkins and Trevion Williams back after making nine and seven starts, respectively. Update (Sept. 21): DL Trevion Williams suffered a season-ending injury against South Carolina and will miss the remainder of the 2026 season. DL Diesel Moye also suffered a season-ending upper-body injury earlier in the season, further reducing Mississippi State’s defensive-line depth. Texas A&M transfer Dealyn Evans and Florida State transfer Amaree Williams also join the group. In the secondary, the Bulldogs return full-time starter Kelley Jones after 13 starts last season, while Isaac Smith returns after 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 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 kickoff-return options.

Overall, Mississippi State enters 2026 with established production returning at running back and receiver, and five of its top eleven tacklers returning on defense. However, season-ending injuries to Williams and Moye have reduced depth on the defensive front, while Taylor’s foot injury has created uncertainty at quarterback ahead of the LSU matchup.