Spring practice is in the books for Mississippi State football, and the Bulldogs are already giving fans a sneak peek at what the 2026 squad might look like. With the season opener against Louisiana-Monroe set for September 5th at Davis Wade Stadium, here's our projected depth chart after a spring full of competition and standout performances.
At quarterback, Kamario Taylor has firmly locked down the starting role. Taylor's arm talent and mobility were on full display during spring drills, and he enters Jeff Lebby's third season as the undisputed leader of the offense. Behind him, the backup battle remains open, but Taylor's command of the huddle gives the Bulldogs confidence heading into fall.
The backfield is just as exciting. Running back Fluff Bothwell returns as the primary ball carrier, bringing a blend of power and elusiveness that kept defenses guessing last season. Keep an eye on Brinston Williams and Kolin Wilson, both of whom flashed big-play potential during the spring game. Wilson, in particular, turned heads with a long catch-and-run down the sideline that energized the crowd.
Wide receiver Anthony Evans III is the clear No. 1 target after a standout spring performance that included a touchdown grab. But he's not alone. Zion Ragins showed he can stretch the field vertically, hauling in a deep touchdown early in the spring game. Gracen Harris also made his presence felt, scoring on a middle-of-the-field route that showcased his quickness. This receiving corps has the depth to keep secondaries honest.
Tight end Sam West emerged as a reliable option over the middle, providing a safety valve for Taylor in the passing game. His ability to move the chains will be crucial in key third-down situations.
On special teams, punter Ethan Pulliam had a strong spring, booming kicks that pinned opponents deep. His consistency will be a weapon in field position battles.
While several starting spots are settled, a few position battles carried over from spring and will heat up again in preseason camp. Coach Lebby and his staff will use the summer to evaluate depth and fine-tune rotations, especially along the offensive line and in the secondary.
Mississippi State fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic. With a veteran quarterback, a dynamic running back, and a deep receiving group, the Bulldogs' offense has the pieces to make noise in 2026. Now, it's all about putting the work in during the summer months and carrying that momentum into September.