Mississippi State football is shaking things up for the 2026 season with a significant influx of talent from the transfer portal. The Bulldogs, under the guidance of Coach Jeff Lebby, have brought in 24 new transfers, earning them a No. 35 national ranking and placing them 15th in the SEC. This comes after a challenging 5-8 season that concluded with a loss to Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.
Quarterback Shuffle
With Kamario Taylor stepping up as the full-time starter, the quarterback room has seen a notable reshuffling. Luke Kromenhoek's departure to USF opened the door for AJ Swann from Appalachian State and Jaden Rashada from Sacramento State. Swann brings a wealth of experience with 18 starts across multiple programs, while Rashada offers a high ceiling as a former four-star recruit with a winding journey through college football.
Running Back Situation
Interestingly, the Bulldogs opted not to bring in a transfer running back, relying instead on two promising high school recruits. Fluff Bothwell is set to lead the backfield, but there's room for competition for the backup spot, especially with Johnnie Daniels and Seth Davis transferring out and Davon Booth exhausting his eligibility.
Wide Receiver Additions
Missouri's Marquis Johnson is a key addition to the wide receiver corps, coming off a 340-yard season. Alongside him, Oklahoma's Zion Ragins joins the team, although he didn’t see action last year. The Bulldogs are looking to fill the void left by eight departing receivers, while Anthony Evans III returns as a proven playmaker with 831 yards and four touchdowns in 2025.
Tight End and Offensive Line Overhaul
With Seydou Traore moving on, Riley Williams from Oregon State is a potential starter at tight end, despite limited action last season due to injury. The offensive line has undergone a complete makeover, with eight new transfers coming in to replace those who left. Notable newcomers like UAB's Brandon Sneh, LSU's DJ Chester, and North Carolina's Miles McVay are expected to make an impact, especially with only Canon Boone and Blake Steen returning from last year's starters.
Defensive Line and Linebacker Insights
The defensive line welcomes four new faces, with Jayson Jenkins from Florida State being the standout in terms of past productivity. The Bulldogs are on the lookout for a strong run-stuffer, and Texas A&M's Dealyn Evans could fit that role. Meanwhile, the linebacker group remains solid, with only Florida State's Gav Holman added, complementing an already strong unit featuring Zakari Tillman and others.
Secondary Strengthening
In the secondary, MSU bolstered its cornerback depth around star Kelley Jones. Quentin Taylor Jr. from Iowa State is a top contender for the No. 2 cornerback spot, with competition from Florida's Jamroc Grimsley and Syracuse's Kaylib Singleton. At safety, LSU's Jardin Gilbert and Rice's Marcus Williams are the frontrunners to start, alongside the versatile Isaac Smith.
Special Teams Stability
On special teams, despite punter Nathan Tiyce's transfer to Penn State, the Bulldogs retain punter Ethan Pulliam and kicker Kyle Ferrie, ensuring stability in the kicking game.
As Mississippi State gears up for the new season, these strategic additions and changes reflect a focused effort to strengthen key areas across the roster, setting the stage for what could be an exciting year in Starkville.