Three Mississippi State football players primed for a breakthrough in 2024
Mississippi State football is replacing the majority of starters and contributors from the last few seasons, but that opens the door for less proven faces to become the top players on the team. Here are three Bulldogs that are primed for a breakout season...
Wide Receiver Jordan Mosley
Jordan Mosley was a 2022 transfer many were excited for. But injuries kept the former 4-star off the field for most of the of the '22 season, and the shift in offensive identity in '23 didn't give him many opportunities. But now the introduction of Jeff Lebby's system gives him the chance to establish himself as one of the top options at WR.
Mosley had a strong spring, and while Kelly Akharaiyi and Kevin Coleman have likely both secured starting roles, there's another WR spot up for grabs. Mosley has just six career receptions, but 2024 could be the year he becomes a key contributor for the Bulldogs.
Defensive Lineman Trevion Williams
Mississippi State's reputation is to churn out elite defensive lineman, but it's been a few seasons since the Bulldogs had a true game-wrecker up front. If anyone along the DL has the talent to become that player it's Trevion Williams.
The coveted 4-star recruit from 2022 redshirted as a true freshman and suffered a season-ending injury early in 2023. But now he's back ready to go, and the expectation is for him to become a key contributor on the defense. Williams has one of the highest ceilings on the team, and now's the time to show it.
Safety Isaac Smith
Speaking of high ceilings, Isaac Smith might have the highest ceiling out of anyone. Landing the safety was a massive recruiting win for State in the 2023 signing class, and many thought he would step in and immediately make an impact. Injuries hurt his offseason development, however, and while he did play, he wasn't fully up to college speed.
But now Smith has a year under his belt and gets to go through a normal offseason to take real strides towards tapping into his potential. The Mississippi State secondary desperately needs some breakout stars in 2024, and Isaac Smith can certainly be one.