Mississippi
What the outlook is for next generation of Mississippi State football defense
Watch as Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby speaks after preseason practice
Watch a part of what Mississippi State football coach Jeff Lebby discussed after his first preseason practice in Starkville.
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football defensive back Hunter Washington says he and his defensive teammates coined a phrase brought in by coaches in the offseason: Chew the elephant.
The statement is described as taking one bite at a time — in this case, on the field.
“Just taking it one day at a time,” he said. “Just focus on one part and build it as as we go.”
MSU and Washington are abiding by that expression as the Bulldogs approach their season opener at home Aug. 31 (5 p.m. CT, SEC Network+) against Eastern Kentucky.
Last season, MSU ranked sixth in total defense in the SEC, averaging 350.58 yards and 35 touchdowns allowed per game.
MSU defensive backs see solid secondary
Washington had a sense of realization after the Bulldogs finished the 2023 season 5-7 and missed a bowl game for the first time since 2009. He took a step back and understood his role in the secondary: focusing on the team more than himself.
“To help my team to a higher standard and pushing my teammates to the next level,” he said. “I’m here to help people out and also focus on me, but I put the team before me.”
Washington is entering his third season at MSU and has nine tackles in 14 games combined — he was injured the second half of last season — after transferring from Florida State in 2021.
MSU FOOTBALL PRACTICE: What Jeff Lebby said of Mississippi State football transfers Blake Shapen, Kevin Coleman
With transfers and newcomers, he has lauded the improvement in the secondary from the spring.
“I like to praise the young guys because it was hard when you first get to college and stuff like that,” he said. “But they really took a step forward, coming up to this fall camp. So I’m really proud of them.
“All (the defensive backs) been better. We’ve been coming in as one group, and our goal is to go to the best.”
Washington said that across the line, having a strong receivers core helps them during practice, and the defensive backs are taking advantage of that.
“It makes us better,” he said. “Going against speed receivers or tight ends, we got all types of threats. I like the offense as well.”
Linebacker core aims to replicate last season’s success
The duo of Nathaniel Watson and Jett Johnson was MSU’s main highlight last fall. Watson — who had a career 137 tackles and was named first-team All-SEC last season — was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in April in the sixth round. Jett Johnson, who had a career 130 tackles, was named second-team All-SEC and has worked out for the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent.
But linebackers Stone Blanton and John Lewis know they’re at the helm of the defense this fall.
“Our defense is young, but we have a lot of experience in there, with a lot of new guys coming in with a lot of talent,” said Blanton, who transferred from South Carolina and had 52 tackles. “The linebacker room is full of talent . . . We got ballers in there, so I’m just super excited to play this season.”
MSU FOOTBALL TICKETS: How to buy Mississippi State football tickets? See prices for games on 2024 schedule
Lewis, who recorded 20 tackles last season, is expecting a defense that has a lot of energy from defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler, but no one is more enthusiastic than Blanton.
“He’d be loud every day,” Lewis said. “So if I need somebody to count on to pick me up, it’ll be Stone.”
The two are the presumed starters at linebacker. Coach Jeff Lebby also has brought in junior college transfer Branden Jennings.
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 2, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from May 2 drawing
03-05-10-14-29
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from May 2 drawing
Midday: 0-6-3, FB: 1
Evening: 3-0-6, FB: 2
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from May 2 drawing
Midday: 2-0-0-1, FB: 1
Evening: 9-4-5-3, FB: 2
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from May 2 drawing
Midday: 02
Evening: 04
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Mississippi State baseball needs a win to avoid a series loss.
The No. 9 Bulldogs (35-11, 13-9 SEC) play at No. 4 Texas (34-9, 14-7) on May 2 (2:30 p.m. CT, SEC Network+).
The Longhorns won Game 1 of the series, striking out MSU 19 times, led by ace pitcher Dylan Volantis. It broke MSU’s nine-game winning streak.
The Clarion Ledger is bringing you live updates for the game. Follow along.
Watch Mississippi State vs Texas
Mississippi State vs Texas score updates
The Bulldogs and Longhorns are tied at 0-0 after two innings. MSU has struck out four times so far after striking out 19 times in Game 1.
Mississippi State is No. 10 in RPI entering the game. Texas is No. 2.
- RF Aiden Robbins
- C Carson Tinney
- LF Anthony Pack Jr.
- SS Adrian Rodriguez
- 2B Ethan Mendoza
- 3B Temo Becerra
- DH Ashton Larson
- 1B Casey Borba
- CF Maddox Monsour
Pitcher: Ruger Riojas
- 2B Gehrig Frei
- 3B Ace Reese
- DH Noah Sullivan
- 1B Blake Bevis
- RF Jacob Parker
- LF Bryce Chance
- CF Aidan Teel
- C Kevin Milewski
- SS Drew Wyers
Pitcher: Duke Stone
Mississippi State versus Texas will air on 96.1 FM. The radio broadcast is also streaming on MSU’s athletics website on the MSU Hail State app.
According to AccuWeather, it will be 76 degrees at first pitch with mostly sunny skies, a 0% chance of rain and wind 8 mph.
- South Carolina at LSU (doubleheader)
- Auburn at Texas A&M (doubleheader)
- Vanderbilt at Alabama
- Missouri at Georiga
- Tennessee at Kentucky
- Ole Miss at Arkansas
- Florida at Oklahoma
What time does Mississippi State vs Texas start today?
- Date: May 2
- Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
- Location: UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin
What channel is Mississippi State vs Texas on today?
The game between Mississippi State and Texas will stream on SEC Network+.
Mississippi State vs Texas starting pitchers
- Game 1: LHP Tomas Valincius (7-1, 2.13 ERA) vs. LHP Dylan Volantis (6-0, 2.06 ERA)
- Game 2: RHP Duke Stone (6-1, 4.64 ERA) vs. RHP Ruger Riojas (5-2, 3.88 ERA)
- Game 3: LHP Charlie Foster (0-2, 5.67 ERA) vs. LHP Luke Harrison (4-2, 3.93 ERA)
Mississippi State vs Texas injury report
Mississippi State
Texas
- OF Jonah Williams: Out
- OF Dariyan Pendergrass: Out
Mississippi State baseball 2026 schedule
Next five games:
- May 3: at Texas
- May 5: vs. Nicholls
- May 7: vs. Auburn
- May 8: vs. Auburn
- May 9: vs. Auburn
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
Coming off an exciting end to the season that saw them nearly make a miracle run to the NCAA Tournament, the Ole Miss Rebels have now lost a notable transfer portal battle to their heated rivals this offseason, leaving Chris Beard and the coaching staff with more questions about how to fill out their roster for next year.
Mississippi State has landed a commitment from Washington State transfer forward ND Okafor, giving the Bulldogs their fifth portal addition of the offseason. Okafor’s decision to choose Starkville comes as a surprise less than a month after he had announced his commitment to Ole Miss. He originally didn’t even have Mississippi State as one of his original finalists, but it’s clear head coach Chris Jans and the Bulldogs won him over.
By fumbling the commitment of Okafor, the Rebels miss out on a player who has four years of high-major experience and is coming off of the best season of his career. He started all 32 games for Washington State this past season, averaging 11 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Okafor began his career at California and will now be playing for Mississippi State in his final year of college basketball.
Where Ole Miss Basketball’s Transfer Portal Class Stands
The Rebels have had a somewhat underwhelming offseason in the portal. Beard and staff brought in some interesting portal pieces last year but it remains to be seen how this offseason’s portal class stacks up.
Ole Miss has already landed five portal commitments, though the team has yet to add a true star-studded transfer. The Rebels have Pepperdine center Stefan Cicic, Seton Hall guard Adam Clark, James Madison forward Christian Brown, Saint Jospeh’s forward Dasear Haskins and Pitt forward Roman Siulepa.
As things stands, Ole Miss doesn’t have a portal addition that truly stands out as a potential game-changer for next season. Clark does offer some intrigue though, as he averaged 12.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.0 steals at Seton Hall last season. A strong defender and creator, Clark has started all 99 career games dating back to his first two years at Merrimack and will no doubt bring a veteran presence to the Ole Miss roster.
But the Rebels need more. Okafor would have been a solid addition on the wing who fits the defensive-mind approach that Beard is looking for.
It will be interesting to see where the Rebels go from here after missing out on a portal addition to their arch rivals.
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