Mississippi State opens its 2026 season at home against Louisiana-Monroe
Mississippi State enters after a 5-8 finish and Louisiana-Monroe after a 3-9 season, with both teams seeking early momentum.
- Mississippi State hosts Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday for the 2026 season opener, with the non-conference matchup broadcast on ESPNU.
- Following a 5-8 finish in 2025, Mississippi State seeks redemption after losing 43-29 to Wake Forest in the Dukes Mayo Bowl. Monroe finished 3-9 after a 30-27 loss to Louisiana-Lafayette.
- Quarterback Blake Shappen returns for Mississippi State after recording 2,433 passing yards and 15 TDs in 2025; receiver Brenen Thompson and running back Jordan Marshall add 1,054 and 677 yards respectively.
- Monroe quarterback Aidan Armenta threw for 1,629 yards and 12 TDs last season, while running back Zach Palmer-Smith gained 660 yards and receiver Jonathan Bibbs recorded 383 yards.
- Both teams face road tests Sept. 12, with Monroe traveling to UAB and Mississippi State heading to Minnesota, setting up demanding early-season schedules.
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For Mississippi State, preparation is key for opener vs. ULM
Mississippi State will welcome Louisiana Monroe to Starkville, Miss., on Saturday night in the season opener for both teams.And while camp has been going on for over a month, Bulldogs coach Jeff Lebby said he doesn't think a team can prepare enough for...
Countdown To Kickoff: State Opens Season Against ULM
Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics September 03, 2026 | Football STARKVILLE — The college football season has returned, as Mississippi State takes on the ULM Warhawks to open its season on Saturday night at Davis Wade Stadium. Gameday Schedule 8:00 a.m.: Parking Lots Open 2:30 p.m.: Coca-Cola Fan Fest Opens 3:30 p.m.: Ticket Office Opens 4:20 p.m.: Dawg Walk Begins 4:30 p.m.: Stadium Gates Open 4:40 p.m.: Photos with Bully in Coca-Cola Fan Fe…
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