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Mississippi State

100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 51 Days - No. 51, OT Luke Work

3rupauk8_400x400by: Robbie Faulk07/10/25RobbieFaulkOn3
luke work
Mississippi State OT Luke Work

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 second year blocker looking to have a breakthrough season.   

51 Days: No. 51, Sophomore OT Luke Work    

Wearing the State logo on the chest hits a bit different for Work than it does for the majority of the Bulldog roster.

A lifelong fan of MSU, the Memphis native had a dream come true when he was offered by former coach Zach Arnett’s staff. Missouri was the other SEC offer on his list with Purdue on there from the Big 10 and he had opportunities on the Group of 5 level like Memphis, Middle Tennessee, Arkansas State and others. State was always where Work wanted to be, however, and he would commit early in the process.

The Army All-American played at Lausanne Collegiate in high school and was ranked as the No. 33 player in the state of Tennessee by Rivals. Throughout the process and even when he arrived to State as an early enrollee, Work slid under the radar.

With the spotlight pointed elsewhere, Work did his job behind the scenes. He garnered some early recognition for his play during the spring and was a player that was pushing for reps right away. Almost immediately, Work began getting playing time for the Bulldogs as a true freshman.

In 12 games, Work played in all but one contest and he pushed himself into the starting lineup at left tackle after State had issues on the left side of the line. Work certainly had his learning moments as he gave up 19 pressures and four sacks, but the freshman was also holding his own in the SEC as a first year blocker. Work also started the last two games at right tackle, including the Battle for the Golden Egg.

Where Work plays this season will be determined in training camp, but he has the ability to play multiple positions on the offensive front. At 6’6, 315 pounds, Work’s versatility and drive set him apart. He will have some stiff competition with players like Jimothy Lewis, Albert Reese and Blake Steen competing for both tackle spots. It will be surprising if he doesn’t wind up in the mix, however.   

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