Mississippi State football is riding high after their big win over Arizona State, but unfortunately they've received bad news in the wake of victory. During his Monday press conference, Bulldogs' head coach Jeff Lebby announced that starting defensive end Will Whitson and starting right tackle Blake Steen are out for the season.
Jeff Lebby confirms that Will Whitson and Blake Steen are both out for the season with a injuries.
— Robbie Faulk (@robbiefaulkOn3) September 8, 2025
Will Whitson was a major offseason transfer addition for the Bulldogs. The pass-rusher from Coastal Carolina showed why he was such an important get for Mississippi State in the season-opening win over Southern Miss, recording four tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and four pressures to be named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week. In the first half against Arizona State, he continued to shine with four tackles, two tackles for loss, and another sack.
But late in the first half, he left the field with injury and did not return. It's not a coincidence that the MSU defensive front didn't look nearly as strong in his abscence. Now, they'll have to navigate without him.
Blake Steen, a transfer from Virginia, won the starting right tackle job for the Bulldogs in fall camp. He started against Southern Miss but was injured late in the first half of that game. He did not return and did not play against Arizona State. Between he and Whitson, two key additions to the MSU trenches are now done for the year.
How will Mississippi State manage without Will Whitson and Blake Steen
There's no getting around it. Losing Will Whitson is a crushing blow to the Mississippi State defense. He was the biggest pick-up the Bulldogs made defensively this offseason, and that showed through two games. He had been a constant force up front, creating the havoc State so badly missed last season.
Without him, where does that havoc come from? There are options. DE Deonte Anderson, NTs Kalvin Dinkins and Jaray Bledsoe, and Jack LBs Branden Jennings and Malick Sylla have all shown flashes this season, though none have come close to matching what Whitson has provided. MSU is going to need someone to emerge. If not, the defense is going to suffer.
Though not quite as high-profile, the loss of Blake Steen shouldn't be overlooked. He was named a starter for the Bulldogs for a reason. He didn't have a great performance against Southern Miss before his injury, but ultimately, he is a player State planned to count on.
That said, State has shown they have good options at tackle. Albert Reese IV has shined at RT since stepping in for Steen, and both Jimothy Lewis and Jayvin James have played well at LT with Reese IV moving to the other side. Plus, the return of Luke Work, who started at tackle last season for MSU, keeps the Bulldogs in solid shape.
If there's a silver-lining for Mississippi State, it's that they spent the offseason building up depth along the lines of scrimmage specifically to be able manage if they did face injuries. But this is anything but ideal for the Bulldogs at a time where they had been so much positive momentum.