College Football Preview 2025: Mississippi State Bulldogs

By Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman
Posted Jul 22, 2025 6:15 am EDT

Head Coach: Jeff Lebby (second season)
2024 Record: 2-10
Strength of Schedule: 8th
PFF Projected Win Total: 5.5
FanDuel Win Total: 3.5

2024 Recap

The Jeff Lebby era at Mississippi State got off to a rocky start, as the Bulldogs finished 2-10 in his first season, tying the program’s worst record in 36 years. Lebby’s offense was at least serviceable in 2024, ranking 69th nationally in EPA per play. But it was the Bulldogs’ defensive struggles that doomed them, as they finished ninth-worst in the country and third-worst in the Power Four in EPA allowed per play.

Mississippi State’s offense should deliver a similar output in 2025, even after losing three of its top four receivers, thanks in part to quarterback Blake Shapen returning from a season-ending shoulder injury. The addition of transfer running back Fluff Bothwell should also bolster the ground game. Still, unless the defense makes significant strides, the Bulldogs are likely headed for another year among the Power Four’s worst teams.

Biggest Strength: An intriguing backfield

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