Mississippi State Bulldogs Football Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Mississippi State football welcomes Bush Hamdan as new associate head coach for offense. Hamdan, a seasoned coach with 17 years in college and NFL, brings innovative approach and quarterback/wide receiver expertise. Known for successful offenses at Boise State and Kentucky, Hamdan is eager to contribute to Mississippi States success under Coach Lebby.

Mississippi States Jeff Lebby welcomes back Matt Brock as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator, reuniting him with Zach Arnett. Brock, an elite teacher and rigorous game planner, previously served as defensive coordinator at Mississippi State and improved UConns defense, ranking high in third-down defense and pass rushes. Brock expresses gratitude for the opportunity and excitement for the programs direction.

Mississippi State football faces roster changes as backup wide receiver Markus Allen and safety Tony Mitchell enter the transfer portal. Allens departure is less impactful, while Mitchells move, after a winding college journey, is a significant blow to the Bulldogs defense, particularly the safety position, which was already identified as a need.

Isaac Smith, Mississippi States junior safety, has been named a Third Team All-American by the Pro Football and Sports Network. This recognition comes after a standout season where Smith started in nine games, recording 64 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 3 pass breakups. He also had two games with double-digit tackles and a career total of 206 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 6 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 1 recovered fumble, 1 sack, and 1 interception. Smiths impressive performance has earned him national accolades and has fans eagerly anticipating his future achievements.

Tony Mitchell, a former Alabama defensive back, is reportedly entering the transfer portal after a brief stint at Mississippi State. Once a highly touted recruit, Mitchells collegiate journey has seen him move between several programs, including a year at East Mississippi Community College. Despite injuries and a coaching change at Alabama, Mitchell showcased his talent at the junior college level and contributed at the Division One level with Mississippi State. Now, he seeks a new opportunity to fulfill his projected successful college career.

Former Mississippi State defensive players shone in Week Fourteen of the NFL, with Jeffery Simmons and Willie Gay Junior leading the charge. Simmons recorded seven tackles, two tackles for loss, and one and a half sacks, earning the top pressure grade among all interior defenders. Gay contributed three tackles, including a sack, and ranked second on the Dolphins defense in tackling and overall defensive grades. Other notable performances included sacks from Chris Jones and Montez Sweat, and a half-sack from Denico Autry. Dak Prescott and Charles Cross also had standout weeks, with Prescott leading the league in passing yards and Cross ranking among the top five offensive tackles in the league.

Mississippi States Brenen Thompson and Kelley Jones earned spots on the SECs third team, marking the second consecutive year with an All-SEC receiver and defensive back. Thompson, a wide receiver, had a standout season with 53 receptions for 948 yards and 6 TDs, tying for the second-most receiving yards in the SEC. Jones, a defensive back, had a breakout year with career-high tackles, pass breakups, and interceptions, leading the SEC in pass breakups. Both players will face Wake Forest in the Dukes Mayo Bowl on January 2, 2026.

Mississippi State football faces a challenging transition as they prepare for the Dukes Mayo Bowl on January 2nd, following a surprise invitation. The team must adapt quickly, despite significant coaching changes, including Zach Arnetts return as defensive coordinator and Chad Bumphis departure as wide receivers coach. The transfer portal sees an exodus of talent, with nine players, including offensive lineman Brennan Smith, announcing their intentions to leave. The Bulldogs must now navigate this critical period, focusing on bowl game preparations while addressing roster and coaching shifts.

Mississippi State football welcomes Kevie Thompson as Assistant Defensive Backs Coach and Nickels coach. Thompson, a native of Raleigh, Mississippi, brings over a decade of defensive coordinator experience and a proven track record in recruiting and player development. His successful stint at East Mississippi Community College, where he achieved back-to-back MACCC championships and sent over thirty defenders to four-year programs, makes him an asset to the Bulldogs.