Mississippi State is gearing up for the upcoming season, and the tight end position is shaping up to be one of the most contested battles on the roster. With a blend of experience and fresh talent, the coaching staff is evaluating every option to determine who will lead the unit.
Sam West stands out as the most productive returning tight end. He caught five passes for 41 yards and a touchdown against Texas last season, and coaches are expected to give him the bulk of first‑team reps during practice.
Joeseph Skipworth, a 6‑5, 225‑pound tight end who redshirted last year, brings size and experience that could translate into a larger role. Riley Williams, another 6‑5, 250‑pound option, offers a blend of recruiting pedigree and limited college production, making him an intriguing prospect for both blocking and passing.
The Bulldogs also welcomed three high‑school tight ends — Luke Hutchinson, Adam Land and blue‑chip recruit Zayion Cotton — who bring a mix of size, athleticism and pedigree. Cotton, who amassed 807 receiving yards and a dozen touchdowns in his senior season, is viewed as a potential game‑changer.
A crowded room, but no clear leader
Despite the depth, the tight end room remains unsettled; no player has emerged as a definitive starter. The staff must balance the desire to involve freshmen like Cotton with the reality that SEC teams rarely hand significant snaps to true freshmen.
The departure of former standout Seydou Traore, whose athleticism set a benchmark, leaves a void that the current group is eager to fill. How the Bulldogs navigate these battles could heavily influence their offensive identity this season.