It's time for fall camp in Starkville, as Mississippi State football prepares for the 2025 season. The Bulldog defense will be under heavy scrutiny during camp after such horrific play last season. Here are the biggest questions facing the unit at the start of camp...
Who steps up at defensive line?
Defensive line was likely the worst unit on the entire team last season. They had horrible depth and performed poorly for the entirety of the year, making it impossible to field a competent defense. Mississippi State attacked the portal relentlessly for defensive lineman, adding seven transfers and a pair of hybrid edges to fortify the front. They've got more bodies this year, bigger bodies at that. But what remains unclear is who forms the starting group. Will we see transfers such as Will Whitson, Red Hibbler, Jamil Burroughs, and Ray Thomas immediately takeover? Could Kalvin Dinkins and Trevion Williams finally breakout? Is it time for a veteran Deonte Anderson to lead the way? Competition should be strong up front.
Can the Bulldogs field an adequate cornerback duo?
As it stands currently, there is no bigger question for the Bulldogs than at cornerback. Since losing Brice Pollock to the portal, State still has not had a clear No. 1 emerge in the room, much less have two players separate as the clear starters. Kelley Jones has incredible size and athleticism, but the RS sophomore has to turn those traits into production. DeAgo Brumfield is experienced, but it's unclear if he's truly an SEC player. NAIA transfer Dwight Lewis III is incredibly intriguing, but can he make the jump to playing at this level? Others such as Elijah Cannon and Amarien "Jett" Jefferson are unknowns. MSU needs a pair of playmakers to step up from this group in camp.
Does another star emerge alongside Isaac Smith?
For the overwhelming majority of last season, it was a one-man show on the Mississippi State defense. Safety Isaac Smith racked up 127 tackles both by being an incredibly talented player and also purely out of necessity. He was the lone Bulldog that you could consistently rely upon on defense. Can someone join him in 2025? LB Zakari Tillman showed flashes last season. There are intriguing options alongside Smith at safety in Tony Mitchell and Jahron Manning. Perhaps transfer pass-rusher Malick Sylla gives MSU what it needs off the edge week after week. Regardless of who it is, the Bulldogs need someone else (ideally multiple someone's) to match Isaac Smith as an impact player.