Brenen Thompson feeling right at home at Mississippi State

When Mississippi State announced its representatives for SEC Media Days, Isaac Smith and Blake Shapen felt like no-brainers to the average Bulldog supporter.

Shapen is back for year two as the State quarterback and Smith is one of the unquestioned leaders of the team as a safety on the defensive unit. Newcomer wide receiver Brenen Thompson, however, was a bit of a surprise for State fans.

So why was the Oklahoma transfer one of three faces that traveled to Atlanta to spread the good word on the Bulldogs for 2025? Lebby summed it up well.

“I think he set the standard of how you should operate inside of the building as a transfer. There’s not a better teammate. There’s not a guy that spends more time, that’s more accountable, that’s just serious about being great at everything that he does,” Lebby said of Thompson. “He’s got this really mature personality. He’s an old soul, and this guy has done an unbelievable job of being a great teammate, and he has really set the expectation for transfers and what it’s supposed to look like.”

Thompson has found a home in Starkville

A few minutes with Thompson backs that up.

The Spearman, Texas native is recently married and has started his young adult life in a place where he feels fits him perfectly. Thompson loves to hunt and fish, and the sweet tea is like divine nectar to his soul.

There’s also the relationship that Thompson built with Lebby when he first coached him as the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma. Lebby knew that he would be able to represent his program in the best way possible.

“I’m blessed. I’m glad that he chose me and I’ve really embraced the leadership role at State. I’m here to get the job done each week and lead the team not only on the field but off the field as well,” Thompson said. “I trust in these guys behind me and I trust in Lebby to get it done. It’s been a great experience for me.”

Thompson is 5’9, 170 pounds, but his game packs a punch to it.

Elite speed is why most of the country was after the talented pass catcher in high school as he came through as a consensus four-star wide receiver. On3 had him ranked No. 71 nationally and he was the No. 11 wide receiver in the country as he chose Texas over offers from just about everyone.

After putting up over 6,000 all-purpose yards and 68 touchdowns in his high school career, Thompson stayed home and played for the Longhorns. He got action in nine games before transferring to Oklahoma and playing for Lebby’s offense in 2023.

An injury plagued the first part of Thompson’s season but he was making explosive plays when he got action. Thompson averaged 35 yards per catch with seven catches for 241 yards and two touchdowns off the bench. He followed that up with 19 catches for 230 yards and two more scores a year ago as a full-time starter and Lebby felt like there was even more opportunity for him.

“I absolutely think when you go back and you watch the tape from last year, he’s open a lot, and when I had him two years ago, he was banged up, but when we had him, he had production when he was able to play” Lebby said. “So, I’m excited about the opportunity he’s got. He’s got a chance to have great year.”

Thompson feels the exact same way that a special year could be in the cards if he does his part.

The reason that Thompson ended up in maroon and white in the first place was because he bet on himself. Playing in an offense like Lebby’s that has brought so many wide receivers to the forefront is what he was looking for, but Thompson also saw Starkville as a chance to create a new journey for him and his family.

Having already built a bond with his brothers on the team and enjoying all of the things that bring him joy in life, he’s feeling right at home. 2025 could be a year that sets the tone for the rest of Thompson’s journey.

“I feel like it can change my life. If you have one good year, it can change your life,” Thompson said. “I’ve got full confidence in not only Lebby but Blake or whoever is in to get the job done. I’m looking forward to getting out on the field.”