Year two of the Coach Jeff Lebby era brings an excitement around the offensive side of the ball, and the realization that nowhere to go but up for the defense creates a unique chance for the Bulldogs’ defensive unit to shock some folks early in the season while continuing to build for something special this fall. With four returning starters on the defensive side of the ball this fall, a few others who have the potential to shape the 2025 Mississippi State defense for future teams to come.

For Coach Lebby and Defensive Coordinator Coleman Hutzler, year two is the year they want not only to see improvement from last season, but to position themselves to win more football games by stepping up on the defensive side of the ball and returning to the Mississippi State defensive standard. Not long ago, the Bulldogs were among the elite in terms of total defense in the Southeastern Conference, and the goal this season is to get back to that standard, where the offensive side of the ball doesn’t have to overwork itself due to a lacking defense.

On the defensive line, the Bulldogs will see the likeness of Trevion Williams, Kalvin Dinkins, Deonte Anderson, Joseph Head, Kedrick Bingley-Jones, and Joseph Head. Out of those, the former four-star recruit in Trevion Williams and Deonte Anderson seem to be the ones that the coaching staff and fans alike are the most excited about seeing the development this season.

In the middle at the linebacker position, Mississippi State has some dudes at the position, including Jalen Smith, who led the Bulldogs in tackling in the spring game. Nic Mitchell has turned into the vocal leader of the Mississippi State defensive unit, turning into the quarterback of the defense. Then you have the likely reserves in Malick Sylla and Brandon Jennings, rounding out an exciting linebacker core for the Bulldogs that has the upside potential to deliver Mississippi State a few more wins this season.

Last but not least, the 2025 Mississippi State secondary. The Bulldogs return three starters from last season at the safety position in Isaac Smith, Hunter Washington, and Brylan Lanier. Isaac Smith led the Southeastern Conference last season in tackles, while Brylan Lanier and Hunter Washington look to continue showing signs of improvement from last season. Likely starters at corner include Kelley Jones and DeAgo Brumfield. Reserves in the secondary include Jaylen Williams, Elijah Cannon, Tony Mitchell, Tyler Woodard, and Jahron Manning.

Overall, the defense has nowhere to go but up this season. They have the returning pieces combined with incoming talent to take a big step forward on that side of the ball, with the first test coming against Braylon Braxton and the deadly Southern Miss offense in week one in Hattiesburg.

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