Mississippi State Bulldogs running back not with program ahead of 2024 season opener

Mississippi State football kicks off the 2024 season this Saturday against Eastern Kentucky. On Monday, we learned that an offensive player expected to play a major role this fall is no longer with the team.

Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Jeffery Pittman not with team entering 2024 season

During his Monday press conference, Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby announced that running back Jeffery Pittman is not currently with the team ahead of their season opener.

""Pitt is actually a guy that's no longer with us right now, so won't get into the details of that. Internal matter.""

- Jeff Lebby

Lebby would not expound on the situation, but regardless of the reason, Pittman is not currently apart of the team. Whether or not he could return at a later date is unknown.

Pittman was the fourth-leading rusher for the Bulldogs in 2023, finishing 268 yards in a touchdown. He also had a pair of receiving touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime against Arizona. The former JUCO-transfer saw an increased role over the back half of last season when starter Jo'Quavious Marks was out.

The expectation was for Jeffery Pittman to compete for a starting role this season and would at the very least be a part of the regular rotation at running back.

What does Jeffery Pittman's absence mean for Mississippi State football?

Losing Jeffery Pittman is unfortunate for the offense. I really liked what I saw from him in the spring game and thought he had the chance to have a nice season. And with Seth Davis already out for the year with injury, Pittman was set to be an important piece. But this isn't a loss State can't overcome.

The Bulldogs still have a very capable of trio of running backs between co-starters Keyvone Lee and Davon Booth and JUCO-transfer Johnnie Daniels. Lee is a physical runner while Booth and Daniels are dangerous in open space. There's still a good rotation in the backfield.

The door also now opens for true freshman Xavier Gayton to make an impact. Jeff Lebby raved about Gayton on Monday and said he will play Saturday. He's an impressive athlete who should be a big part of the offense in the future.

Running back still looks to be a promising position for Mississippi State.