Mississippi State football's five most important transfers of 2025

Adding these players made the Bulldogs a significantly better team.
Dec 23, 2023; Honolulu, HI, USA; San Jose State Spartans quarterback Chevan Cordeiro (2) scrambles away from Coastal Carolina Chanticleers defensive lineman Will Whitson (44) during the third quarter of the Easypost Hawaii Bowl at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Mandatory Credit: Steven Erler-Imagn Images
Dec 23, 2023; Honolulu, HI, USA; San Jose State Spartans quarterback Chevan Cordeiro (2) scrambles away from Coastal Carolina Chanticleers defensive lineman Will Whitson (44) during the third quarter of the Easypost Hawaii Bowl at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Mandatory Credit: Steven Erler-Imagn Images | Steven Erler-Imagn Images

Mississippi State football brought in a huge transfer class to flip the roster for the 2025 season. Which transfers were the most valuable to the Bulldogs?

Defensive Tackle Will Whitson

There simply was not a bigger priority for State in the Transfer Portal than building up the defensive line. It was especially crucial that the Bulldogs find impact players along the interior so not to get completely run over once again. Coastal Carolina transfer Will Whitson was the addition they so badly needed. The D-tackle had outstanding production in his 17 games played for the Chanticleers over the last two years and received some early Senior Bowl buzz ahead of 2024. He can be a difference-maker inside that makes life easier on the entire defense.

Offensive Tackle Blake Steen

Mississippi State had to improve the offensive line post-spring, and they did that with five transfers, the most impactful being former Virginia tackle Blake Steen. The massive 6-6, 340 Miami native started the last 17 games for the Cavaliers, allowing just two sacks last season. His addition bolsters one tackle spot and allows a player like Albert Reese IV to move inside where they're more comfortable.

Defensive End Red Hibbler

Last year State managed just 10 sacks as a team for the entire season, which is, quite frankly, pathetic. Fixing the pass rush was a must this offseason, and that's why they went after former NC State defensive end Red Hibbler. Two seasons ago, Hibbler led the Wolfpack with 6.5 sacks along with another three QB hurries. He was quieter in his four games played last year, but he's proven he can get pressure at this level. Having a consistent threat off the edge is massive for this team.

Running Back Fluff Bothwell

The Bulldogs want to run the ball more consistently in 2025, especially in goalline situations. That's where bruising South Alabama transfer Fluff Bothwell comes in. Bothwell isn't a typical short-yardage back, as he's more than capable of big plays on the ground after averaging 7.5 per carry last year. But at 5-10, 230, he'll run right through defenders and fight ahead for tough yards when needed. His physicality is massive for MSU.

Wide Receiver Ayden Williams

State loaded up at wideout in the portal, finding a number of quality options to fill various roles within the offense. But purely from a talent and skillset standpoint, no one is more well-rounded that Ole Miss transfer Ayden Williams. He's got the size, speed, route-running, and one-on-one catching ability to be a truly special player. That potential has to turn into production, but the widespread belief is the new situation will allow him to thrive. And if that's the case, he would add quite the dynamic to the MSU offense.