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Mississippi State

Initial Availability Report released for Mississippi State - Tennessee

3rupauk8_400x400by: Robbie Faulk09/25/25RobbieFaulkOn3
derion gullette
Photo by Mississippi State Athletics

Ahead of the SEC opener inside Davis Wade Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Mississippi State has its initial Availability Report out on Wednesday evening.

The Bulldogs enter Saturday’s 3:15 showdown with No. 15 Tennessee with a relatively healthy lineup all things considered. Only linebacker Derrion Gullette is listed among available players with a “questionable” tag. The Texas transfer Gullette missed the Northern Illinois game with injury but is one of State’s top tacklers this year, tied for sixth with 16.

Players that are definitely out for Saturday include those that have already had season-ending injuries. OT Blake Steen went down with an injury in the first half against Southern Miss in the first game of the season and has not returned for the season. DE Will Whitson had a knee injury against Arizona State in the first half and didn’t return either. Lebby announced in the Monday press conference heading into week three that both would be out for the rest of the season.

The Bulldogs adjusted by moving senior Albert Reese back to right tackle and he’s been one of State’s top blockers since the second half of the USM game. State is still searching for someone to provide the potential at end that Whitson was showing as he was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after the USM game and had 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks in just six quarters of action. Both of those stats still lead the team despite there being two and a half more games played.

Tennessee still has some key injuries heading into the game. The Volunteers will continue to be without cornerbacks Rickey Gibson III and Jermond McCoy along with wide receiver Radarious Jackson, running back Hunter Barnes and defensive lineman Daevlin Hobbs.

Questionable for the game will be RB Duane Morris and OL David Sanders as the latter is working his way back trying to make his collegiate debut. DL Jaxson Moi appears to be set to make his return to the field after missing the last three games. The Sanford transfer reportedly was available last week but sat out to get healthier.

The Availability Report will be updated again the next two nights and 90 minutes until kickoff on Saturday.

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