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Mississippi State

Bulldog receiver Brenen Thompson eager for Saturday's challenge against Tennessee

Paul Jones Mississippi State Bulldogsby: Paul Jones09/23/25PaulJonesOn3
brenen thompson8
Photo by Jared Thomas, Maroon and White Daily

In just four games at Mississippi State, former Oklahoma transfer Brenen Thompson has already established career highs as a receiver. This past weekend the Bulldog senior notched his first career rushing attempt that led to his first career rushing touchdown.

On the season, Thompson leads the team with 291 receiving yards and three touchdown catches while ranking second on the squad with 17 receptions. Earlier this week Thompson met with the media to discuss Saturday’s SEC opener against Tennessee among other topics:

Q: The way the NIU defense was set up, they tried to take away the deep shots. What did you learn from those matchups and trying to open up things elsewhere?
Thompson: I think it just shows our practices and timing and everything. I think all of our guys did a great job getting loose downfield even when they did try to stop that. We just got to commit.

Q: When you see other ways you can impact the game besides the vertical passing, what are the things you look at?
Thompson: I think just blocking on the perimeter. That’s the main thing for me, blocking for the run game, blocking for the guys around me. That’s a way I can really influence the game without having the ball in my hands. I think our group takes great pride in that and we will continue to do it on Saturday.

Q: Although you were not here last year, when you got here did you sense something could be different with this team?
Thompson: I think just the winter workouts and the tone from everyone, just coming together as a brotherhood. Obviously, I wasn’t here last year so I didn’t go through that season last year. But getting here and realizing all these guys had a chip on their shoulder because of last year and because they don’t want to feel that way ever again. I don’t know anyone in this room that’s lost nine games in a season before but it doesn’t feel great. So I think this team is heading in the right direction. I think that comes off the chip on the shoulder. I think that all comes from last year and I think these guys are ready to go.

Q: Where have you seen that chip on the shoulder mentality play out?
Thompson: I think you saw it against Arizona State when it was first and goal on the goal line and our defense shuts them out. I think our fans stayed and we go on and win the game. I think that’s the tale from last year that you just saw. I think it is the belief in each other in this room. Outside forces don’t matter to us. The belief we have in one another and our coaches and getting the job done, that is what it’s proven to me.

Q: What’s it mean to you entering conference play?
Thompson: It means everything. Conference play is where all the money is made. This is what this team is built on. This is why we are here, why I am here. That’s why you come to State to play football and games like this.

Q: How much fun are you having playing with Anthony Evans?
Thompson: I think it grows day by day and we enjoy it even more. I’ve enjoyed playing with him and he’s an amazing guy, great teammate. Always puts others before himself whether that’s blocking or running certain routes to get me open or vice versa. I think we’ve done a great job of that and we will continue to do that.

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