Jeff Lebby optimistic about Mississippi State's defensive line depth: 'A lot better place than we were'

Mississippi State struggled mightily on its defensive line in 2024. Jeff Lebby and company responded by paying close attention to the position group this offseason.

Not only are the Bulldogs set to return some of its top production in the unit, but they’ve also addressed its depth issues in the NCAA transfer portal. Lebby revealed his level of optimism about the position group heading into 2025.

“We’re in a lot better place than we were,” Lebby told reporters. “Again, we’ve got a long way to go but our bodies today, compared to where it’s been with us having the ability two-spot the entire practice. (That’s) completely different and that’s going to help us practice the way we need to practice so we can develop and get get the depth that we need.”

Mississippi State returns its three-leading defensive tackles from last season, Trevion Williams, Sulaiman Kpaka and Kai McClendon. The trio of 300-pounders combined for 93 tackles in 2024 — each logging at least 30 during the season.

However, this wasn’t enough to get the job done. The Bulldogs would eventually let up over 2,600 rushing yards and 47 total touchdowns during the 2024 season.

Lebby went out and signed a handful of defensive tackles to back them up. Darron Reed is a former top-200 recruit who played at Auburn last season. He’s joined by Will Whitson, Colin Coates, Red Hibbler and Jaray Bledsoe. Bledsoe is also a former four-star recruit who transferred into the program from Texas. On the EDGE, Lebby signed former Texas A&M defensive end Malick Sylla, as well as Raishein Thomas.

These defenders, among others were a part of the 41st overall transfer portal in the 2025 cycle, featuring 34 players. Jamarcus Moye enters the program as a top defensive tackle recruit from the JUCO ranks as well

The body count alone is reason for optimism in the Mississippi State defensive line room. Looking toward the 2025 season, there are several opportunities for this unit to prove themselves against top talent in the SEC.

Mississippi State will kick off its 2025 season against Southern Miss — on the road in a true away game. After that, the Bulldogs are inside Davis Wade Stadium for the home opener against the Big 12’s only representative in the College Football Playoff last year, Arizona State. The Bulldogs will also face Tennessee, Texas A&M, Florida, Texas, Georgia and more down the stretch.