2025 preseason camp is underway for Mississippi State football. The Bulldogs are readying themselves for year two under head coach Jeff Lebby, hoping for a major turnaround after a 2-10 season a year ago.
Among the reasons to be optimistic in that turnaround happening is an offense with a second-year QB, improved skill talent, and a deeper and more experienced offensive line. At the start of camp, how do I see the depth chart for the Bulldogs' offense?
2025 Mississippi State Bulldogs offensive depth chart prediction
Quarterback
Starter: Blake Shapen (6-1, 210 GR)
Backups: Luke Kromenhoek (6-4, 220 SO TR), Kamario Taylor (6-4, 230 FR)
Sixth-year QB Blake Shapen enters year two in the system and should have a big year if healthy. The question is who settles in as QB2 behind him. Right now, I'll say Kromenhoek's experience gives him the edge over hotshot true freshman Taylor.
Running Back
Starter: Davon Booth (5-10, 205 GR)
Backups: Fluff Bothwell (5-10, 230 SO TR), Johnnie Daniels (5-10, 200 SR), Xavier Gayten (6-0, 205 SO)
This will very much be a "by committee" room, but the explosive Davon Booth will still be the leader after breaking out in 2024. Transfer Fluff Bothwell likely serves as the thunder to Booth's lightning, but Daniels and Gayten warrant their fair share of touches.
Wide Receivers
Starters: Brenen Thompson (5-9, 170 SR TR), Anthony Evans III (5-11, 180 JR TR), Jordan Mosley (6-0, 195 RS SR)
Backups: Ayden Williams (6-3, 205 JR TR), Ricky Johnson (6-2, 185 RS FR), Markus Allen (6-2, 215 RS SR TR), Jaron Glover (6-1, 205 RS JR TR)
Returning starter Jordan Mosley and transfer Brenen Thompson man the outside as vertical threats, and transfer Antony Evans III takes over as the go-to option in the slot. Transfer Ayden Williams will heavily push for a starting role outside, though, and slot Ricky Johnson looks ready to contribute in a big way.
Tight End
Starter: Seydou Traore (6-4, 235 RS SR)
Backups: Max Reese (6-3, 250 RS JR TR), Sam West (6-4, 250 RS SO TR), Cameron Ball (6-7, 250 RS JR)
Traore is essentially a WR in a TE's body, and he'll be an important weapon for the offense. The others add more "oomph" to the room, though Reese is more of a pass-catcher as well. At least one needs to prove to be a powerful blocker.
Offensive Line
Starters (Left to Right): Luke Work (6-6, 315 SO), Zack Owens (6-6, 340 RS SO TR), Koby Keenum (6-4, 305 RS SO TR), Albert Reese IV (6-7, 330 RS SR), Blake Steen (6-6, 340 RS JR TR)
Backups: Jimothy Lewis (6-6, 320 RS FR), Jacoby Jackson (6-6, 320 RS SR), Brennan Smith (6-3, 320 RS SR TR), Canon Boone (6-4, 315 RS SR), Saquon Miles (6-5, 320 JR)
This group easily has the most potential combinations entering preseason camp with five true starters still needing to stand-out. It seems that post-spring transfers Zack Owens and Blake Steen have quickly made themselves known at guard and tackle, respectively. Veteran and returning starter Albert Reese IV moves inside to guard while Luke Work builds off his freshman season. Koby Keenum maintains an edge at center.