SEC · 2026

Mississippi State

2025 record 5–8 1–7 conference
Postseason Duke's Mayo Bowl L 29–43 vs Wake Forest
Head coach Jeff Lebby
Scheme Multiple / 3-3-5
Conference
D+

5–8 / Mayo loss and Portal #16 keep State near the floor despite Taylor’s athleticism

Portal
D

Portal #16 (overall #13 via high-school lift)

Depth
C−

Chart is filled with portal names; proven SEC starters are scarce

Market odds

To Win SEC
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Over 4.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #13 61 commits · 255.34 pts
Portal #16 27 commits· avg 86.15

Roster notes

Leading story

Kamario Taylor is listed QB1 in Lebby’s 3-3-5 shell

Offense

RB Fluff Bothwell; WR Marquis Johnson / Ayden Williams / Anthony Evans III; TE Sam West. OL: Jakheem Shumpert-Perkins / DJ Chester / Canon Boone / LJ Prudhomme / Blake Steen

Defense

Defense is 3-3-5: Will Whitson / Jaray Bledsoe / Dealyn Evans; Amaree Williams; Tyler Lockhart / Zakari Tillman; Kelley Jones / Jardin Gilbert / Marcus Williams / Quentin Taylor / Isaac Smith

Key offense

  1. 01
    Fluff Bothwell RB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 142 carries, 677 yds, 6 rushing TD
    • 14 receptions, 105 yds
  2. 02
    Kamario Taylor QB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 43/77, 629 yds, 5 TD, 1 INT
    • 82 carries, 458 yds, 8 rushing TD — dual-threat sample behind Blake Shapen’s starter year
  3. 03
    Marquis Johnson WR
    Portal
    • Listed WR-X on the depth chart
    • 2025 receiving line verify

Key defense

  1. 01
    Zakari Tillman MLB
    Returning
    • 2025: 47 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 INT, 1 PD
  2. 02
    Tyler Lockhart WLB
    Returning
    • 2025: 34 tackles in 10 G
  3. 03
    Jardin Gilbert S
    Returning
    • Listed SS
    • 2025 tackle/PD line verify