Mississippi State Completes First Football Scrimmage of 2026 Season

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State wrapped up its first football scrimmage of the 2026 season Sunday afternoon at Davis Wade Stadium, with head coach Jeff Lebby highlighting key takeaways. Lebby said his primary goals were for the team to stay healthy and to see competitive balance on both sides of the ball.

Lebby praised the team’s effort, noting a back-and-forth battle between offense and defense. He said the defense started strong with several three-and-outs, while the offense responded well, executing calls effectively. “Great competition and a ton of back and forth,” Lebby said. “We’re healthy coming off the field, which is huge. The energy, physicality and competitiveness were really good.”

The scrimmage simulated game conditions with live tackling for all players except quarterbacks. Lebby emphasized the importance of keeping sophomore quarterback Kamario Taylor healthy while also providing him with game-like situations that aid his development. Lebby praised Taylor’s decision-making and his ability to protect the football during the scrimmage, adding that the quarterback’s progress is promising.

Lebby also expressed confidence in his specialists, including kicker Kyle Ferrie and punter Ethan Pulliam, both of whom are returning for the season. “Our specialists have had a really good camp,” Lebby said. “Having those guys back is a huge part of what we’re doing.”

Pulliam was recently named to the Ray Guy Award preseason watch list, an honor given annually to the nation’s top collegiate punter. The Bulldogs are scheduled to hold a second preseason scrimmage Saturday before opening their season at home against ULM on Sept. 5. Fans can follow updates on MSU football on X, Facebook and Instagram by searching for “HailStateFB.”

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