Spring is just around the corner, meaning spring practices are just around the corner for Mississippi State football. Going into the spring season, how do we project the Bulldogs' depth chart for 2026?
2026 Mississippi State Offensive Depth Chart Projection
We start with projections for the Bulldog offense...
Quarterback
Starter: Kamario Taylor (So. | 6-4, 230)
Backups: AJ Swann (APP transfer R-Sr. | 6-2, 220), Jaden Rashada (SAC transfer R-Jr. | 6-4, 185)
Ultra-talented Kamario Taylor takes over as the full-time starter. Behind him, State added a pair of veteran, journeyman transfers in AJ Swann and Jaden Rashada to provide experienced depth.
Running Back
Starter: Fluff Bothwell (Jr. | 5-10, 230)
Backups: Xavier Gayten (Jr. | 6-0, 205), Kolin Wilson (R-Fr. | 5-9, 190)
Leading rusher Fluff Bothwell returns. Xavier Gayten saw an increased role in 2025 but needs to find more consistency, as RS freshman Kolin Wilson could push him. Freshmen JJ Hill and Cooper Crosby could absolutely challenge for playing time as well.
Outside Wide Receivers
Starters: Marquis Johnson (MIZZ transfer Sr. | 5-11, 190), Ayden Williams (Sr. | 6-3, 205) OR Sanfrisco Magee (R-So. | 6-2, 200)
Backup: Zion Ragins (OU transfer R-So. | 5-8, 170)
Explosive Missouri-transfer Marquis Johnson should fill Brenen Thompson's role in the offense. Ayden Williams is technically a returning starter, but Sanfrisco Magee's play-making ability may allow him to win a starting job. Speedy Oklahoma-transfer Zion Ragins should also have a role.
Slot Receiver
Starter: Anthony Evans III (Sr. | 5-11, 180)
Backup: Gracen Harris (R-Fr. | 5-11, 175)
State's top returning offensive weapon, slot Anthony Evans III is back after leading the team in receptions last season. Gracen Harris is the lone slot-type returning on the roster after Evans III. It's possible one of the talented true freshman State signed could factor in.
Tight End
Starter: Sam West (R-Jr. | 6-4, 250)
Backups: Riley Williams (ORST transfer R-Jr. | 6-5, 250), Zayion Cotton (Fr. | 6-5, 230)
Sam West was primarily a blocker for the Bulldogs last season but showed some flashes. Oregon State-transfer Riley Williams has size but also looked solid as a pass-catcher early in his career. The wildcard is freshman Zayion Cotton, who could be the true receiving threat in the room if he quickly gets up to speed.
Left Tackle
Starter: Brandon Sneh (UAB transfer R-Sr. | 6-6, 315)
Backup: Miles McVay (UNC transfer R-Jr. | 6-6, 350)
Left Guard
Starter: DJ Chester (LSU transfer R-Jr. | 6-6, 315)
Backup: LJ Prudhomme (ARK transfer R-Fr. | 6-3, 320)
Center
Starter: Canon Boone (Gr. | 6-4, 315)
Backup: DJ Chester (LSU transfer R-Jr. | 6-6, 315)
Right Guard
Starter: Blake Steen (R-Jr. | 6-6, 340)
Backup: LJ Prudhomme (ARK transfer R-Fr. 6-3, 320)
Right Tackle
Starter: Miles McVay (UNC transfer R-Jr. | 6-6, 350)
Backup: Blake Steen (R-Jr. | 6-6, 340)
This starting combination puts the five-most experienced linemen on the field. Brandon Sneh almost certainly takes over at left tackle while both Canon Boone and DJ Chester are all but guaranteed starting spots along the interior. Blake Steen was supposed to start at right tackle for MSU last season prior to injury, but he kicks inside to guard with Miles McVay transferring in. Don't count out LJ Prudhomme from winning a starting role at guard either. Tackles Saquon Miles and Jakheem Shumpert-Perkins and guard TJ Lockhart are others who could factor in.