When does Mississippi State football start spring practice? What’s new for 2026

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football spring practices are beginning soon.

The Bulldogs open spring practice March 17.

MSU is looking to build off its 5-8 record from coach Jeff Lebby‘s second season with Kamario Taylor as the new starting quarterback. Success in 2026 could hinge on the defense though with Zach Arnett rehired as the new coordinator.

Here’s what to know about Mississippi State before the Bulldogs begin spring practice.

When does Mississippi State start spring practice?

Mississippi State will hold its first spring practice on Tuesday, March 17.

When is Mississippi State football spring game?

Mississippi State has not announced details about a spring game.

When is Mississippi State’s Pro Day?

Mississippi State’s Pro Day is scheduled for March 27.

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Mississippi State football spring practice schedule

Mississippi State has not announced a spring practice schedule, other than that it starts on March 17.

What coaches did Jeff Lebby hire, fire and promote for 2026

Here are Mississippi State’s primary assistants in 2026.

Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett (hired from Florida State to replace Coleman Hutzler, who was fired)
Co-defensive coordinator/LB coach Matt Brock (hired from UConn)
Associate head coach for offense/WR coach Phillip Montgomery (hired from Virgina Tech to replace Chad Bumphis, who was fired)
Assistant head coach/pass game coordinator/RB coach Anthony Tucker
QB coach Kevin Johns (hired from Oklahoma State to replace Matt Holecek, who was not retained)
Run game coordinator/TE coach Jon Cooper
DE and OLB coach Vincent Dancy
DB and nickelbacks coach Kevie Thompson
Special teams coordinator Cliff Odom
Strength and conditioning coach Shaud Williams

Mississippi State football returning starters in 2026

Mississippi State football starters lost from 2025

Who Mississippi State, Jeff Lebby added, lost in transfer portal for 2026

Additions:

Missouri WR Marquis Johnson
Florida State edge Jayson Jenkins
Appalachian State QB AJ Swann
Iowa State CB Quentin Taylor Jr.
Syracuse CB Kaylib Singleton
Florida State OT Mario Nash Jr.
Florida CB Jamroc Grimsley
Florida State OT Ja’Elyne Matthews
Florida State edge Amaree Williams
Arkansas IOL LJ Prudhomme
Southern Cal edge Gus Cordova
Oregon State TE Riley Williams
Texas A&M DL Dealyn Evans
Florida State LB Gav Holman
Sacramento State QB Jaden Rashada

Departures:

S Stonka Burnside (Memphis)
DL Terrance Hibbler Jr. (Jackson State)
WR Markus Allen (Middle Tennessee State)
WR Jordan Mosley (Colorado State)
Edge Joseph Head Jr. (Memphis)
WR Cam Thompson (Northern Illinois)
OT Alex Lopez (Western Kentucky)
S Tony Mitchell (Ole Miss)
OT Jaekwon Bouldin (Jackson State)
TE Max Reese (North Texas)
WR Jaron Glover (South Florida)
OT Jimothy Lewis Jr. (Cal)
S Lo’Kavion Jackson (TBD)
TE Cam Ball (West Virginia)
QB Luke Kromenhoek (South Florida)
S Tyler Woodard (Coastal Carolina)
CB Dwight Lewis III (TBD)
WR Davian Jackson (Texas State)
P Nathan Tiyce (Penn State)
DL Corey Clark (Florida Atlantic)
RB Jonnie Daniels (Tulane)
CB Elijah Cannon (Kansas)
IOL Koby Keenum (Memphis)
LB Montrell Chapman (Old Dominion)
DL Kedrick Bingley-Jones (Alabama)
DL Kai McClendon (Washington)
IOL Zack Owens (Missouri)
OT Jayvin Q. James (Alabama)

Mississippi State football 2026 recruiting class

The Bulldogs signed 30 players to the 2026 recruiting class. The class ranks 23rd nationally by the 247Sports Composite.

Mississippi State football 2026 schedule

Conference games are bolded.

Sept. 5: vs. Louisana-Monroe
Sept. 19: at South Carolina
Nov. 21: vs. Tennessee Tech

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: When is Mississippi State football spring practice for Bulldogs?

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