STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football concluded spring practice in April, providing a glimpse at how the Bulldogs could line up in 2026.
Some starters were already known before spring practices began, like Kamario Taylor at quarterback, Fluff Bothwell at running back and Anthony Evans III at wide receiver.
There were position battles in the spring, too. Some of them will continue into preseason practices before the season opener Sept. 5 against Louisiana-Monroe at Davis Wade Stadium.
Here is our Mississippi State depth chart projection after spring practice for coach Jeff Lebby’s third season.
Mississippi State football depth chart projections after spring practice
Quarterback
- Starter: Kamario Taylor
- Backups: AJ Swann or Jaden Rashada, Brodie McWhorter, Parker Puckett
Taylor is the no-doubt starter for the first time in his career. Behind him, it is an ongoing battle for the No. 2 spot. Swann, an Appalachian State transfer, and Rashada, a Sacramento State transfer, are considered the favorites.
Running back
- Starter: Fluff Bothwell
- Backups: Kolin Wilson or Xavier Gayten, JJ Hill or Cooper Crosby
Bothwell has potential to be an All-SEC running back with a big season. It remains to be seen who will be the No. 2 running back that Lebby likes to utilize in a split backfield. Wilson was a breakout player in spring practice.
Wide receivers
- Starters: Anthony Evans III, Marquis Johnson, Ayden Williams
- Backups: Sanfrisco Magee, Gracen Harris, Zion Ragins, Matt Mayfield
Evans is a lock to be a starter and Johnson, a Missouri transfer, probably is, too. Magee could push Williams for the third wide receiver spot.
Tight end
- Starter: Riley Williams or Sam West
- Backups: Joeseph Skipworth or Zayion Cotton
West is the only returning tight end who caught a pass last season and could split reps with Williams, an Oregon State transfer. Cotton was a four-star in the 2026 recruiting class.
Offensive line
- Starters: Jakheem Shumpert-Perkins (left tackle), DJ Chester (left guard), Canon Boone (center), LJ Prudhomme (right guard), Blake Steen (right tackle)
- Backups: Miles McVay, Saquon Miles, Tyler Miller, Mario Nash, Jaelyne Matthews
Shumpert-Perkins was another spring breakout that, according to Lebby, has locked down one of the starting tackle jobs. The question for this group is how deep it can rotate. That would help keep players fresh.
Defensive line
- Starters: DE Will Whitson, DT Jaray Bledsoe, DT Dealyn Evans, edge Amaree Williams
- Backups: Edge Derion Gullette, DL DJ Reed, DT Kalvin Dinkins, DL Trevion Williams, DT Diesel Moye, DL Jayson Jenkins
Whitson was limited in the spring because of his 2025 season-ending injury, but he was one of Mississippi State’s top linemen despite only playing one-and-a-half games. Dealyn Evans is a Texas A&M transfer, and Amaree Williams is a Florida State transfer. This group must improve its run defense after struggling the last two seasons.
Linebackers
- Starters: Zakari Tillman, Jalen Smith or Tyler Lockhart
- Backups: Fatt Forrest, LaKendrick James, AJ Rice, Tyshun Willis
Tillman, Smith and Lockhart are Mississippi State’s clear-cut top three linebackers. After them, MSU will be relying on players who haven’t had much production yet. Willis is intriguing as a former four-star who redshirted. He could play more as a pass-rushing linebacker.
Cornerbacks
- Starters: Kelley Jones, Quentin Taylor
- Backups: Jett Jefferson, Jamroc Grimsley, Kaylib Singleton, Kyle Johnson
Jones is projected as a first-round NFL draft pick in 2027 by many outlets. The key will be who plays opposite him at cornerback. Taylor made six starts last season at Iowa State, while Jefferson could push for playing time too after an injury-riddled 2025.
Safeties
- Starters: Isaac Smith, Marcus Williams, Jardin Gilbert
- Backups: Kendel Dolby, Bralan Womack, Tanner Johnson
Smith will be playing his hybrid safety/linebacker spot, while Williams and Gilbert will be more traditional safeties. Womack was Mississippi State’s top signee in the 2026 recruiting class, so he’s the player to keep an eye on.
Kicker
- Starter: Kyle Ferrie
- Backups: William Wilkinson or Hayden Chambers
Ferrie returns as the starting kicker where he is on pace to break the program record for career points and field goals. Chambers is a freshman who could kick or punt.
Punter
- Starter: Ethan Pulliam
- Backups: William Wilkinson or Hayden Chambers
Pulliam will be the starting punter after splitting duties early last season. He was the only punter on the roster in the spring so it’s unclear who exactly the backup will be.
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State football 2026 depth chart prediction for Jeff Lebby