Mississippi State football aims to rise in 2026 under coach Jeff Lebby

Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby and quarterback Kamario Taylor represented the Bulldogs at the SEC Media Days in Tampa, Florida, outlining a clear goal to improve on the 5‑8 record from the 2025 season. Lebby emphasized roster retention and the return of key players, noting that the roster is in a stronger position than in the past two years. He expressed confidence that defensive coordinator Zach Arnett, rehired after a brief head‑coach stint, can help reverse the team's defensive struggles, which ranked near the bottom of the SEC in points and yards allowed in 2025.

Taylor, the former freshman standout, was praised by Nick Saban as "the truth" and is entering his first full season as the starting quarterback. He logged 629 passing yards, 458 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns last year, and is expected to lead the offense alongside returning receivers Anthony Evans III, Sanfrisco Magee and Ayden Williams. The Bulldogs open the 2026‑27 campaign against Louisiana‑Monroe on Sept. 5 at Davis Wade Stadium, hoping to secure a marked step forward for the program.