2-10 overall, 0-8 in the SEC. That was Mississippi State football's record in 2024, their first season under head coach Jeff Lebby. It was the worst season by the program in more than two decades, and in no way was it an acceptable outcome for the Bulldogs.
Jeff Lebby recognizes that, and at SEC Media Days, he made it clear that the entire focus of his program this offseason has been "changing the outcome."
"That's what everything has been about since December. It's about changing the outcome, finding a way to win, creating that inside the locker room every single day."Miss State HC Jeff Lebby
The biggest key to changing that outcome? Changing the roster. Last season the Bulldogs fielded a unit that, quite frankly, was not power conference-caliber (much less SEC-caliber), particularly in the trenches. Throughout the offseason, Lebby and his staff have worked hard to overhaul their squad through a massive influx of new players.
"I think we've created some momentum inside of our building by signing a really good high class, by signing a really good portal class, addressing the needs that we had to change the outcome this fall. That's all we've talked about, is our plan and our process to change the outcome."
According to Lebby, 80% of the roster consists of players in either their first or second year in Starkville. With so many new pieces, there's always a question of what team chemistry will look like, but Lebby believes he's got a tight-knit group.
"I feel like our football team today is a lot closer and a lot more connected than it was a year ago, even with all the turnover. I'm excited about that."
Togetherness is a great thing to have. In fact, it's necessary, and knowing this roster, despite a tumultuous 2024 and a significant amount of turnover, is aligned provides some confidence that a turnaround can happen in Starkville.
Of course that togetherness alone won't result in more winning, which is what ultimately has to happen for Mississippi State. The play on field has to improve, and Lebby has three areas of focus for his program to find more wins this fall.
"When we talk about how we will win in the fall, we talk about effort...physicality, execution."
Effort wasn't a problem for the 2024 Bulldogs. Lebby praised that team's willingness to fight the entire year despite the circumstances. But physicality and execution are certainly areas where major improvements are necessary in 2025.
That's where the new additions to the roster and another year in the program for many starters and contributors should prove incredibly valuable. More talent and more experience should result in an improved team in 2025. How much better will they be? That's to be seen, but it's clear the Bulldogs have made the necessary moves to take a step forward.