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Mississippi State

100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 53 Days - No. 53, C Breenan Smith

3rupauk8_400x400by: Robbie Faulk07/08/25RobbieFaulkOn3
brennan smith
Brennan Smith (Photo by UTEP Athletics)

Year two of the Jeff Lebby era has arrived and the Mississippi State coach is back to work.

After a disappointing first season, the coach and his staff are doing what they can to get things back on track in Starkville. The players on the field will be the difference for State this season if they are to make a return and we’re going to discuss every single one of them over the course of the next few months.

As we do every year, we’re counting down 100 days until State’s first game at Southern Miss in Hattiesburg on August 30. Over this period of time, we’ll breakdown every scholarship player on the roster, look back at great moments in MSU history and even talk about legends that have come before the current Bulldogs.

Today, we look at a transfer lineman working to lock down a starting spot in the middle.

53 Days: No. 53, Senior C Brennan Smith   

One of the most important parts of an offensive line comes from the center position. It’s a player that anchors the front line and is a voice of the offense along with the quarterback. For a second-straight season, this position could have a new face from the transfer portal leading the way.

State got a solid season from transfer Ethan Minor out of the portal a season ago but the Bulldogs didn’t get what they needed in the first transfer portal window. Eastern Michigan’s Carson Lee was supposed to push for starting reps in the spring but didn’t make the impression needed. He would enter the portal and new offensive line coach Phil Loadholt was on the move for a replacement.

Former Austin Peay and UTEP veteran would be the choice as he picked the Bulldogs over South Carolina during the spring. The 6’3 senior hails from Pensacola, Fla. and was first-team All-State in Class 6A. College options were few as Smith picked up offers from Jackson State, Bryant, Stetson, Missouri State and Gardner Webb and he would ultimately land at Austin Peay.                                                                                                             

After playing in two games and redshirting in 2021, Smith would get eight starts in 10 games for the Governors – all at right tackle. Smith would start in all 12 games at the position in 2023 and elevated his stock a bit as he would hit the transfer portal.

UTEP would be the next stop for Smith as he was brought in to help the interior of the offensive line. Smith would play in 12 games and start 11 with 10 starts coming at left guard and one at center. That has him prepared for life in the interior with the Bulldogs.

Smith comes to training camp next month with a chance to lock down the center position with a good showing. He will be competing with Kentucky transfer Koby Keenum but also veteran State blocker Canon Boone. State has options, but Smith could be a potential starter if things go his way.

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