Mississippi State Holds Final Full-Speed Practice Before Two-Week Countdown to Season

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State is two weeks away from opening its 2026 football season, with preparations intensifying at Davis Wade Stadium, according to head coach Jeff Lebby.

Lebby described Thursday’s practice as being designed to mimic game conditions, focusing on sideline operations, communication, and in-game adjustments. The team will have another mock game next week to continue refining their routines before the season begins, Lebby said.

Health remains a priority for the Bulldogs, who have avoided major injuries during camp. Lebby credited increased roster depth for sustaining high intensity, physicality, and speed during practice. “The roster is better, so there is more competition,” he said.

Depth across the team is evident at receiver, where behind standout Anthony Evans III, multiple players are showing promise, Lebby noted. “There are nine guys who can play on teams and do what we need to do offensively,” he added.

The offensive line’s depth is also improving, with Lebby stating he feels good about seven players competing for starting spots. The coaching staff will evaluate tape from a recent scrimmage to determine the two-deep rotation early next week.

Defensively, Lebby praised the group’s retention of schemes from spring and their ability to create stress on opponents. He expressed confidence in the top 24-26 defensive players and their understanding of the scheme as they prepare for the season.

Lebby emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and maintaining an elite mindset. “It’s day to day — be better Monday than we were today,” he said. “Our guys are bought into that.”

Mississippi State is set to resume practice Monday as it counts down to the season opener, with the team focused on building trust, urgency, and consistency in the final weeks before kickoff.

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