Spring practices are just around the corner, and Mississippi State football's roster looks very different than it did just a few months back. With the transfer portal, the Bulldogs have gone through an extensive overhaul, and many of the key players on the 2025 team will be new to Starkville. Of those transfers, who should we expect to make the biggest impacts?
Running back Fluff Bothwell
Easily the most high profile transfer of the offseason, running back Fluff Bothwell is bound to come in and make waves for the Bulldog offense. As a true freshman at South Alabama last season, Bothwell led the Jaguars with 832 yards and 13 touchdowns on a dominant 7.5 yards per carry. At 5-10, 220, he's a bowling ball of a back who'll serve as a perfect compliment to the electric Davon Booth.
Defensive tackle Will Whitson
State's defensive line was a massive weakness last season, and they heavily recruited the position in the transfer portal to turn things around. Their best addition is in former Coastal Carolina defensive tackle Will Whitson. In 17 career games, Whitson has 61 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and seven QB hurries. One of the most under the radar prospects in the portal, Whitson likely steps in as State's best defensive lineman.
Linebacker Jalen Smith
The Bulldogs added a talented up-and-comer from a SEC rival at linebacker in Jalen Smith. As a redshirt freshman, Smith was a part of Tennessee's regular rotation at linebacker, totaling 34 tackles. He's someone the Vols wanted to keep around, but now he'll get the chance to shine in Starkville. And his addition is even more important now with Stone Blanton leaving for the NFL.
Safety Jahron Manning
Jahron Manning has been overlooked within MSU's portal class since he committed so soon in the process, but that doesn't make him any less valuable. The former Old Dominion safety had a huge year in the Monarchs' secondary with 85 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three passes broken up, and three interceptions. Between Isaac Smith, JUCO transfer Tony Mitchell, and Manning, State suddenly has a very impressive safety room.
Wide receiver Ayden Williams
Consider this one a projection, but Ole Miss transfer wide receiver Ayden Williams could be in for a breakout season. The Mississippi-native was very highly rated out of high school but just got buried in a loaded Rebel WR room. His talent is still very much there, and MSU could badly use it. With the losses they've taken at wideout, having a big time talent on the outside is a must, and Williams has a chance to do big things in Jeff Lebby's offense.