College Football Preview 2025: Mississippi State Bulldogs

As the 2025 college football season approaches, Mississippi State finds itself at a familiar crossroads, balancing pockets of genuine optimism with the daunting reality of the SEC landscape. While the Bulldogs possess legitimate reasons to believe in an improved offensive attack, the team's ultimate trajectory hinges on a defensive unit that has, in recent memory, struggled to meet the demanding standards of the conference. Without a significant leap on that side of the ball, Starkville may again be looking up from the SEC’s lower echelons.

The offensive forecast, however, is decidedly brighter. The return of starting quarterback Blake Shapen provides a crucial foundation of experience and leadership. Shapen, now fully entrenched in the system and benefiting from a full offseason as the undisputed starter, has the arm talent and decision-making capabilities to elevate the Bulldogs' passing game. His command of the offense and ability to extend plays will be vital. Complementing Shapen's aerial prowess is the highly anticipated arrival of freshman running back Fluff Bothwell. Bothwell, a consensus four-star recruit, brings a dynamic blend of power, speed, and elusiveness that could immediately inject much-needed explosiveness into the Bulldogs' ground attack. His presence not only offers a potent weapon but also promises to alleviate pressure on Shapen, creating a more balanced and unpredictable offensive scheme that can challenge SEC defenses both through the air and on the ground. The potential for a more consistent and high-scoring offense is palpable, a welcome change for a program that has often relied on defensive grit.

Despite the offensive promise, the stark reality for Mississippi State lies on the defensive side of the ball. For the Bulldogs to genuinely contend for a mid-tier SEC finish, the defense must undergo a dramatic transformation. In recent seasons, the unit has been susceptible to big plays, struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and at times, lacked the fundamental soundness required to stop elite rushing attacks. Tackling consistency, secondary coverage, and the ability to get off the field on third down are all areas that demand significant improvement. The SEC is a gauntlet, and even a potent offense can be undermined if the defense cannot hold its own against the league's formidable quarterbacks and skill position players. Without a renewed emphasis on fundamentals, better execution, and potentially new playmakers emerging, the defensive struggles could once again relegate Mississippi State to the bottom half of the conference standings, regardless of offensive fireworks.

Ultimately, Mississippi State's 2025 campaign will be a tale of two units. The offense, bolstered by Shapen's experience and Bothwell's talent, has the potential to surprise and keep the Bulldogs competitive in many games. They possess the tools to put points on the board and move the ball with efficiency. However, the true measure of the team's success, and its ability to climb out of the SEC basement, rests squarely on the shoulders of a defense that desperately needs to prove its mettle. A significant step forward defensively is not just desired; it is absolutely imperative for Mississippi State to avoid another season defined by frustrating losses and missed opportunities in the nation's toughest conference.