Latest news with #JeffLebby
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mississippi State Lands Big-Leg Kicker Gunnar Gillentine
Mississippi State Lands Big-Leg Kicker Gunnar Gillentine originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It's not every day that a kicker makes headlines, but Mississippi State fans should take notice because this one could be a difference-maker. Advertisement The Bulldogs have landed a commitment from Gunnar Gillentine, a rising senior specialist from Petal (Miss.) High School, who announced his decision after a string of standout performances on the national camp circuit. Known for his booming leg and impressive consistency, Gillentine adds a crucial piece to Mississippi State's 2027 recruiting class. The 6-foot, 185-pound kicker has turned heads with his precision and power, most notably at the Texas Spring Showcase, where he earned a score of 118, a mark that placed him among the top performers in attendance. According to sources close to the program, Jeff Lebby and special teams coordinator Cliff Odom wasted no time once they saw the potential Gillentine brings. Unlike some spring targets who were asked to wait, Mississippi State moved quickly to secure Gillentine. With field position and kicking becoming increasingly vital in SEC play, his addition could pay dividends on Saturdays. 'I'm going to be working in the weight room a lot this offseason,' said Gillentine. 'I want my leg to be as strong as it can possibly be… I know that when the ball is turning over, it can come with a lot more distance.' Advertisement Mississippi State ranked No. 92 nationally in field goal percentage last season and struggled with punt placement throughout SEC play. Gillentine's arrival signals a shift in focus to improving those often-overlooked details. Special teams may not be the flashiest side of the ball, but it's the kind that wins tight games. And as Bulldog fans know all too well, in the SEC, every inch matters. Related: Top Four-Star Recruit Makes Final Decision on Mississippi State Related: Mississippi State Lands Three-Star Defensive Lineman Following Official Visit This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
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Mississippi State Lands Impact 2026 DB Commit Kolby Barrett
Mississippi State Lands Impact 2026 DB Commit Kolby Barrett originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Mississippi State football fans have been waiting for a summer spark, and they just got one. The Bulldogs added a key piece to their 2026 class with the commitment of 3-star safety Kolby Barrett, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound standout from Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Barrett made it official recently with a simple, powerful post on X: Advertisement 'COMMITTED. THANK YOU GOD.' Mississippi State's recruiting under second-year head coach Jeff Lebby continues to take shape, and Barrett is exactly the type of athlete the staff is targeting. A player who is physical, versatile, and eager to lead. Ranked No. 99 among safeties and the No. 34 overall player in Tennessee by the 247Sports Composite, Barrett chose the Bulldogs over offers from Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Purdue, Tulane, and SEC-rival Vanderbilt. The early offer from MSU stood out. 'They cut on my film and trusted my ability,' Barrett said. 'Coach Barnes has been real with me throughout the whole process.' Advertisement Barrett becomes the ninth commit in Mississippi State's 2026 class and the fourth defensive back. MSU now holds the No. 37 national class and sits 10th in the SEC, according to 247Sports. Barrett's decision also comes at a pivotal time. Just two days prior, cornerback Iverson McCoy decommitted from the class. Barrett's pledge helps stabilize the secondary plans and boosts confidence in the Bulldogs' future defensive core. But this is more than just a player addition, Barrett wants to help build something bigger. 'Coach Lebby and I talked about it. We want to get the best 2026 class we can,' he said. 'I definitely want to help recruit for that.' Advertisement He'll be in Starkville for visits starting June 13, joining other 2026 prospects as momentum builds. With SEC experience on the horizon and a system that values early playing time, Barrett sees Mississippi State as a platform to shine, and to help lead. 'I just felt like State was the best opportunity for me,' he added. 'I think great things are ahead.' Related: Top Four-Star Recruit Makes Final Decision on Mississippi State Related: Mississippi State Lands Big-Leg Kicker Gunnar Gillentine This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mississippi State Football Climbs in ESPN FPI Rankings
Mississippi State Football Climbs in ESPN FPI Rankings originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Mississippi State football may not be knocking on the playoff door just yet, but the latest ESPN Football Power Index (FPI) says the Bulldogs are officially on the move. Advertisement Coming off a turbulent 2024 campaign, the Bulldogs have climbed to No. 52 nationally in ESPN's just-released FPI rankings for 2025. It's a clear indicator that second-year head coach Jeff Lebby's aggressive overhaul of the program is gaining traction in the ultra-competitive SEC. 'This is about building a new standard,' Lebby said during spring practice. 'We've got guys buying in, and that's where change starts.' Mississippi State quarterbcak Blake ShapenMatt Bush/Imagn Images The rise from last year's FPI slot is largely tied to a trio of key factors: the return of quarterback Blake Shapen, a top-30 recruiting class, and a calculated blitz through the transfer portal, where the Bulldogs added nine new faces this spring alone. Advertisement 'Blake's decision to return after his injury gives them real leadership under center,' said former Mississippi State head coach Jackie Sherrill. 'In this league, experience at quarterback is gold.' The Bulldogs' 2025 recruiting class ranks 26th nationally, per 247Sports. This is a clear sign that Lebby's vision is resonating beyond Starkville. Offensively, the team is starting to show flashes of the high-octane attack that made Lebby's stops at Oklahoma and UCF so dynamic. Young weapons like Gracen Harris and Kolin Wilson are turning heads during off-season workouts. Still, the road ahead is no easy path. Mississippi State faces an absolute uphill battle this fall, including showdowns against Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas, all ranked inside the FPI's Top 15. And of course, there's the annual Egg Bowl against Ole Miss, who enter the season ranked No. 13. Advertisement 'What Jeff is building takes time, but the signs are encouraging," Sherrill, stated. "The SEC West isn't forgiving, but neither is standing still. The program is moving forward." For Bulldog fans, the message is clear: the climb may be steep, but the foundation is solid. Stay locked in. This rebuild is real. Related: Josh Hubbard Breaks Silence on Return to Mississippi State Hoops Related: Mississippi State Baseball Makes Major Announcement as Season Ends This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mississippi State Football sets standard with record GPA
Mississippi State's 2024 football season didn't go quite as planned. After a 2-10 record and going winless in SEC play, there is room for improvement. However, the Bulldogs pulled off a major win off the field. Jeff Lebby's program has enjoyed success with a record 3.05 GPA to end 2024. It was the second straight semester they've accomplished that feat after setting the record of 3.02 in Spring 2024. Not bad for a newcomer in his first year. Advertisement What might seem like a minor accomplishment to some is turning heads Starkville. Overall, Mississippi State's student-athletes achieved another record semester for Fall 2024. The Bulldogs posted the highest departmental GPA on record with a 3.34. It marked MSU's 15th consecutive semester with a 3.0 or higher, according to MSU athletics. What is expected for this year? Much the same for Lebby and the Bulldogs. Related: Chris Lemonis breaks silence after Mississippi State firing Ten Mississippi State football players from last year's team were named to the 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society last month. Nick Barr-Mira, Stone Blanton, Hayes Hammond, Zach Haynes, Grant Jackson, Jacoby Jackson, Kade Kolka, Ethan Miner, Blake Shapen and Seydou Traore all maintained a GPA of 3.2 or better. If the trend with Lebby continues, the Bulldogs could set another record in the classroom. They'll be looking to improve on the field as well, which starts with a difficult four-game non-conference schedule in the fall. MSU opens the 2025 season on the road against Southern Miss on Saturday, Aug. 30.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mississippi State football schedule times, TV announced for first three games in 2025 season
STARKVILLE — Kickoff times and TV channels have been announced for the start of the 2025 Mississippi State football season. The Bulldogs will open the season at Southern Miss on Aug. 30 at 11 a.m. on ESPN, the program announced on May 29. The home opener at Davis Wade Stadium in Week 2 against Arizona State on Sept. 6 will be at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2. MSU's Week 3 home game versus Alcorn State on Sept. 13 will be at 5 p.m. on SEC Network+. Advertisement Kickoff times for the remaining games, except for the Black Friday Egg Bowl against Ole Miss, have not been announced yet. Mississippi State's first SEC game is Week 5 vs Tennessee in Starkville after hosting Northern Illinois in Week 4. The Bulldogs went 2-10 in coach Jeff Lebby's first season without an SEC win. The entire assistant coaching staff was retained except for offensive line coach Cody Kennedy. Starting quarterback Blake Shapen also returns after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 4. MORE: Inside Ace Reese's transfer to Mississippi State baseball and his formation into a top SEC batter Mississippi State football 2025 schedule Aug. 30: at Southern Miss (11 a.m., ESPN) Sept. 6: vs. Arizona State (6:30 p.m., ESPN2) Sept. 13: vs. Alcorn State (5 p.m., SEC Network+) Sept. 20: vs. Northern Illinois Sept. 27: vs. Tennessee Oct. 4: at Texas A&M Oct. 18: at Florida Oct. 25 vs. Texas Nov. 1: at Arkansas Nov. 8: vs. Georgia Nov. 15: at Missouri Nov. 28: vs. Ole Miss (11 a.m., ABC or ESPN) Advertisement Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@ and follow him on X @sklarsam_. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State football vs Southern Miss game time, TV channel
