Mississippi State football didn't experience the offensive explosion they were expecting in year one of Jeff Lebby. Now coming out of the spring for his second season, the Bulldogs are looking to take a significant leap in production behind more experience and key newcomers. Who looks set to start for State with spring in the rearview mirror?
Mississippi State 2025 offensive depth chart prediction
Mississippi State has a mix of experienced players in each position group from last season returning and plenty of transfers. Truthfully, very few of these positions are set coming out of the spring, but here's my best guess at the depth chart at this point...
Quarterback
Starter: Blake Shapen (Gr.)
Backups: Luke Kromenhoek (So.), Kamario Taylor (Fr.)
Blake Shapen returns as starting signal-caller after missing State's final eight games with injury in 2024. If he can stay healthy, he's capable of a big year in Lebby's system. Behind him, two incredibly talented young guys in FSU transfer Kromenhoek and freshman phenom Taylor.
Running Back
Starter: Davon Booth (Gr.)
Backups: Fluff Bothwell (So.), Johnnie Daniels (Sr.), Xavier Gayten (So.)
This is the deepest position group on the room. The explosive Davon Booth was granted an extra year of eligibility after breaking out down the stretch in 2024. South Alabama transfer Fluff Bothwell compliments him as a power back, and Daniels and Gayten are exciting rotational players.
Outside Wide Receivers
Starters: Jordan Mosley (Sr.), Brenen Thompson (Sr.)
Backups: Ayden Williams (Jr.), Markus Allen (Sr.), Jaron Glover (Jr.)
Four of the top five here are transfers. Returning starter Mosley finished second in yards in 2024. Oklahoma transfer and speedster Brenen Thompson is set to be MSU's top deep threat, and Ole Miss transfer Ayden Williams looked brilliant in the spring.
Slot Wide Receiver
Starter: Anthony Evans III (Jr.)
Backup: Ricky Johnson (R-Fr.)
Georgia transfer Anthony Evans III is tasked with taking over for Kevin Coleman in the slot and figures to be the explosive piece MSU needs at that position. Redshirt Ricky Johnson received continual praise during the spring.
Tight End
Starter: Seydou Traore (Sr.)
Backups: Cameron Ball (Jr.), Max Reese (Jr.)
Seydou Traore flashed his receiving talent throughout 2024. He looks to become a more consistent threat in a season where pass-catchers need to step up. Cameron Ball should be the top blocker in this room, and Eastern Michigan transfer Max Reese adds needed depth.
Center
Starter: Koby Keenum (So.)
Backup: Brennan Smith (Sr.)
This battle will last into the fall. UTEP transfer Brennan Smith just committed to the Bulldogs, so he won't have his say until the season nears. For now, Kentucky transfer Koby Keenum gets the edge based on SEC experience and going through spring.
Offensive Guards
Starters: Jacoby Jackson (Sr.), Albert Reese IV (Sr.)
Backups: Trevor Mayberry (Gr.), Canon Boone (Sr.)
You could go a number of ways here, but I'll stick with the returning starters. Jackson made 11 starts at guard in 2024 while Reese primarily started at tackle. He moves inside, where he's more effective. There are several options who could factor in as backups.
Offensive Tackles
Starters: Luke Work (So.), Blake Steen (Jr.)
Backups: Jayvin James (So.), Jimothy Lewis (R-Fr.)
Like guard, you can make a case for several players. Work played well as a freshman at LT, and Virginia transfer Blake Steen was a starting RT at his last school. Lewis has all the talent to push either for a starting job, and James has enough athletic upside to factor in.