Mississippi State Navigated Roster Changes Before Missouri

Coach Jeff Lebby confirmed key injury absences and addressed penalty issues ahead of the Week 4 ranked matchup.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Football

Mississippi State Navigated Roster Changes Before Missouri

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Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby announced several roster updates as his 3-0 team prepares for a critical Week 4 home game against Missouri. The Bulldogs are looking to build on their momentum while correcting disciplinary issues that arose in their previous victory.

Why it matters

Addressing depth concerns and excessive penalties is crucial for Mississippi State to maintain its No. 24 national ranking. The team faces a significant challenge hosting its first ranked home matchup since 2017.

The Bulldogs currently hold a 3-0 record, including a 1-0 mark in SEC play, despite committing 10 penalties in their last game. Notably, the team is working to overcome five penalties specifically tied to the left tackle position.

The players

Jeff Lebby

He is the current head coach of the Mississippi State football team.

Miles McVay

He is the starting left tackle for Mississippi State.

Trevion Williams

He is a Bulldogs football player sidelined for the season due to a knee injury.

Diesel Moye

He is a Mississippi State player currently out for the season with a knee injury.

Colin Coates

He is a Bulldogs player who will miss the season due to a preseason injury.

The details

Coach Lebby confirmed that Trevion Williams, Diesel Moye, and Colin Coates are out for the season with knee injuries, while Eddie Kelly Jr. remains inactive. Miles McVay will continue to anchor the line as the starting left tackle as the staff rotates four interior defensive linemen to compensate for depth shortages.

Timeline

  1. 2017: The last time Mississippi State played a ranked home game.

  2. 2022: The last time the team secured an SEC home victory.

  3. August 2026: The month Eddie Kelly Jr. arrived at the university.

  4. Week 4: The scheduled timeframe for the game against Missouri.

  5. This week: The period when the Senate is expected to vote on the Protect College Sports Act.

The Big Picture

The team's preparations unfold against the backdrop of the Protect College Sports Act, which is currently pending a vote in the Senate. This legislative effort marks a shift in how university athletics are managed at the federal level.

The Bulldogs face a pivotal home matchup as they look to maintain their No. 24 ranking and remain undefeated. Eliminating the 10 penalties seen in their last outing is essential for keeping their SEC record intact against Missouri.

The takeaway

Maintaining discipline and developing bench depth are the two primary metrics determining the success of the Bulldogs this season. Fans should watch how the offensive line stabilizes in the upcoming matchup to evaluate the team's long-term consistency.

What happens next

The Senate is scheduled to vote on the Protect College Sports Act later this week.

Further reading

For more news on the team, visit Starkville Football.

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