Mississippi state football must replace quite a bit of production from its offense this offseason. The Bulldogs are losing their leading passer and three of their top four receivers from 2024.
State has gone heavy in the transfer portal to reload their offense for the 2025 season, but now they have one less hole to fill, as they're getting back a key piece they didn't initially expect to.
Mississippi State running back Davon Booth returning for 2025 season
Bulldog running back and leading rusher Davon Booth announced his return to Mississippi State on "X" Tuesday night. Booth, who initially had seen his college eligibility come to an end in 2024, was granted an extra year with an NCAA waiver for former JUCO athletes.
Did someone say SHOWTIME? 🐶#HailState pic.twitter.com/i0v4heiXFf
— Davon Booth (@Vonn_6k) January 7, 2025
Davon Booth blossomed into one of Mississippi State's best weapons in 2024. A transfer from Utah State, Booth ran for 759 yards and five touchdowns. The explosive rusher was tied for the SEC lead in runs 40+ yards. Booth also proved to be a good receiver out of the backfield, especially in the redzone as he hauled in four receiving scores.
An all around dynamic weapon both offensively and in special teams, Booth finished with 1231 all-purpose yards. His production landed him on the All-SEC 3rd team as an all-purpose player. Booth broke out over the back half of the season, helping the offense find more of a groove in Jeff Lebby's first season running the program.
Needless to say, his return is fantastic news for Mississippi State.
Davon Booth and Fluff Bothwell will form a dynamic duo for the Mississippi State Bulldogs
Just a few weeks ago, Mississippi State picked up one of the best transfer portal running backs available in former South Alabama back Fluff Bothwell. Bothwell is a physical runner who impressed as a true freshman in 2024. With Davon Booth being more of a speed back, the two should serve as excellent compliments to one another.
That combo could easily prove to be one of the nation's best. State has worked hard to revamp its offensive line after that unit struggled last season. With more experience and several new pieces in place, there's reason to believe the Bulldogs will be a much better blocking team in 2025. And with Booth and Bothwell running behind an improved line, Mississippi State should see the run game become a strength next season.