Mississippi State football has an offense under Jeff Lebby that sets up its skill talent to thrive. Backs and receivers can post huge numbers in the system, and State has added several pieces in the offseason who should be the beneficiaries of that. These are the offensive newcomers set to flourish this fall...
Running Back Fluff Bothwell
Mississippi State's most high-profile addition of the offseason was in their backfield. South Alabama transfer running back Fluff Bothwell comes to Starkville after an impressive freshman campaign in Mobile that saw him run for 832 yards on a whopping 7.5 yards per carry with 13 touchdowns. At 5-10, 230, Bothwell is a bruiser capable of picking up the tough yards. State's run game lacked physicality last season, and Bothwell should bring that to the offense. The RB room is loaded with talent, and Bothwell is a big reason why.
Wide Receiver Anthony Evans III
In each of Jeff Lebby's last five seasons as a play-caller, he's had a slot receiver be the top target in his offense. That's a great sign for Anthony Evans III. The speedy Georgia transfer was seldom-used in Athens. He returned punts and kicks for the other Bulldogs while seeing a handful of touches on gadget plays for the offense. His role will be significantly bigger in Starkville. State needs to replace the production lost by Kevin Coleman, and Evans, like Coleman is dangerous with the ball in his hands. He caught eyes in the spring and seems set to be a featured player in the offense.
Wide Receiver Brenen Thompson
Several wideouts have the chance to shine in 2025 alongside Evans III, and another likely candidate to have a big season is Oklahoma transfer Brenen Thompson. Thompson possesses blazing speed, and few DBs can stay with him one-on-one down field. He averaged better than 34 yards per catch playing for Lebby in Norman in 2023. Now he reunites with his old play-caller, and if there's anyone who will scheme up ways to get him free behind the defense, it's Lebby. State wants to take several deep shots each game, and Thompson will get the majority of those looks.