It’s that time of year again for the Mississippi State Bulldogs to return to Dudy Noble for another season of Bulldogs baseball. Unlike last season, all the pieces are there for a magical season. There’s almost a certain feeling in the air that those in Starkville had not felt since the 2021 season when the Bulldogs won their first National Championship.

In conversation with Coach Chris Lemonis, the love for the 2025 Mississippi State is unparalleled. There’s something special about the upcoming season; with a favorable schedule and a talented roster, the 2025 Mississippi State baseball season has serious potential to add hardware to the trophy case by competing for a Southeastern Conference crown while being a sleeper to reach the College World Series.

Sure, losing the likeness of Dakota Jordan, Jurrangelo Cijntje, and Khal Stephen might not be ideal for the Bulldogs faithful. Still, Coach Lemonis hit the portal and added depth to the Mississippi State roster that the Bulldogs have not seen since the 21 season. With transfer portal guys, underclassmen, and a few key returners, the 2025 Mississippi State Bulldogs have serious potential to return a Regional at the bare minimum to Dudy Noble Field. Given that the expectations are high for the Bulldogs this season, There’s always a level of uncertainty heading into a new season; there’s been a lot of conversation about the roster that Coach and his staff put together while leaning on Hunter Hines, Pico Kohn, and Karson Ligon to be the vocal leaders of the 2025 Mississippi State Baseball team.

Mississippi State will have a powerful pitching room as they open the season next week against Manhattan. Mississippi State fans will likely see some combination of Pico Kohn, Karson Ligon, Jacob Pruitt, and Stone Simmons in the weekend rotation at some point in the season, with Chase Hungate coming in as the designated closer for the Bulldogs this spring.

Outside of Hunter Hines at first base, look for production from Ross Highfill behind the plate, Dylan Cupp at shortstop, and Bryce Chance in left field combined with an enormously talented transfer class to give the Bulldogs some run support they lost from last season. Transfers to watch for in the lineup are as follows: Sawyer Reeves from The Citadel at second, Ace Reese from Houston, and Noah Sullivan from USC Upstate. The 2025 Mississippi State lineup has some guys that could provide the Bulldogs with timely hitting and run support while taking the pressure off the bullpen; without playing a game, this team has the makeup as the 2021 team.

Mississippi State will open the season ranked 18th by the guys at D1 Baseball and welcome the Jaspers of Manhattan to Dudy Noble Field for a three slate before a midweek at Southern Miss.

Photo Credits: Mississippi State Baseball on X