Mississippi State football is set to kickoff the 2025 season shortly against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in Hattiesburg. And unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they aren't without some significant injuries.
Mississippi State offensive lineman Luke Work OUT vs Southern Miss
Mississippi State will be without a returning starter along the offensive line on Saturday. According to Sam Sklar of the Clarion Ledger, sophomore left guard Luke Work was not dressed in the pregame and is wearing a boot on his right foot.
Luke Work has a boot on his right foot pic.twitter.com/EovCyiv9T0
— Sam Sklar (@sklarsam_) August 30, 2025
Luke Work was expected to be one of the Bulldogs' top offensive lineman this season. As a true freshman in 2024, he made seven starts, playing at both left and right tackle. Work made the move inside to guard during the offseason, and on Mississippi State's initial depth chart, he was listed as a potential starter at left guard along with senior Jacoby Jackson.
Work's injury confirms that Jackson will get the start at left guard against the Golden Eagles. And while the loss of Work is significant, State should be in good hands with Jackson. The senior made 11 starts last season at left guard, so when it comes to the starting lineup, the Bulldogs aren't losing experience. However, Work was certain to play plenty of snaps in this game if healthy and could also have played tackle if needed, so he's not at all an insignificant loss.
Mississippi State cornerback Jett Jefferson OUT vs Southern Miss
The offense isn't the only side of the ball impacted with the loss of a potential starter. Also according to Sam Sklar, Mississippi State junior cornerback Amarien "Jett" Jefferson is not dressed in the pregame. He has a wrap on his left foot and is using a scooter to get around.
#MississippiState CB Jett Jefferson isn't dressed either. He's got his left foot wrapped and rolling around on a scooter. So that's two possible starters unexpectedly out today
— Sam Sklar (@sklarsam_) August 30, 2025
A JUCO transfer from East Mississippi C.C., Jefferson had an impressive offseason in Starkville, flashing in preseason camp. While not penciled in as an official starter, Jefferson was listed as a potential starting corner, battling with senior DeAgo Brumfield. Brumfield will get the start today with Jefferson out.
This is a major loss for the Mississippi State defense. Cornerback was already a position of concern entering the year, and Jett Jefferson was a player being counted on to step in and play at a high level. Southern Miss has the QB and WRs to test the Bulldog secondary, so that matchup becomes even more worrisome today. State needs a great game out of Brumfield and for their pass rush to deliver.