2026 Depth Chart Overview
Mississippi State announced its first official 2026 depth chart on August 31, 2024, giving fans a first look at the roster that will open the season against Louisiana‑Monroe.
The Bulldogs are slated to host the Warhawks at Davis Wade Stadium on September 5, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. Central Time and a broadcast on ESPNU.
The depth chart comes after a 5‑8 finish to the 2023 campaign, a season that ended with a loss to Wake Forest in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, adding a sense of urgency to the upcoming schedule.
Because of ongoing NCAA investigations, several players including Jahron Manning, Malick Sylla and Eddie Kelly Jr. are absent from the chart, while head coach Jeff Lebby remains the face of the program.
On offense, Kamario Taylor is listed as the starting quarterback, while Fluff Bothwell and Zion Ragins take the outside receiver spots and Anthony Evans III is slotted in as the primary slot receiver. Sam West will anchor the tight end position, and the line will be manned by left tackle Miles McVay, left guard DJ Chester, center Canon Boone, right guard LJ Prudhomme and right tackle Jakheem Shumpert‑Perkins.
The defensive front features JACK Amaree Williams at defensive end, DJ Reed and Jaray Bledsoe on the interior, and Will Whitson at defensive end, forming a unit that looks to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Linebacker duties will be shared by Mike Jalen Smith and Zakari Tillman, while special teams will rely on kicker Kyle Ferrie, punter Ethan Pulliam, and return specialists Marquis Johnson and Anthony Evans III.