2026 Mississippi State Defensive Preview
Returning Starters - 2
Edge Rushers
| # | Name | Year | Height | Weight | Hometown |
| 42 | Darron Reed Jr | JR(RS) | 6’4” | 286 | Columbus, GA |
| 46 | Joseph Head Jr | JR(RS) | 6’4” | 257 | Lexington, MS |
| 96 | Tyron Landri | FR | 6’6” | 280 | Lucedale, MS |
| 93 | Joe Boykins | FR | 6’2” | 220 | Lucedale, MS |
| 95 | Greg Biggs | FR | 6’4” | 217 | Metairie, LA |
| 92 | Oscar Ruggs | FR | 6’2” | 233 | Marshall, TX |
| 98 | Quincy Rahman | FR | 6’6” | 290 | Marietta, GA |
| 94 | Scott McGlynn | FR | 6’3” | 252 | Hempstead, TX |
Darron Reed Jr is a returning starter and he will be teamed up with Joseph Head Jr on the other side of the line. However, it's all Freshman once you get past them including a couple that might be a bit undersized.
Defensive Tackles
| # | Name | Year | Height | Weight | Hometown |
| 23 | Trevion Williams | SR(RS) | 6’4” | 296 | Crystal Springs, MS |
| 99 | Jamarcus Moye | JR(RS) | 6’5” | 347 | Phenix City, AL |
| 90 | Kai McClendon | SO(RS) | 6’2” | 318 | Gulfport, MS |
| 55 | Colin Coates | JR(RS) | 6’2” | 311 | Baltimore, MD |
Having to replace the starting defensive tackles from last year is no joke but Trevion Williams and Jamarcus Moye both showed up big in spring camp and are looking to make a name for themselves this season.
Outside Linebackers
| # | Name | Year | Height | Weight | Hometown |
| 10 | Jalen Smith | JR(RS) | 6’2” | 231 | Grayson, GA |
| 41 | Tyshun Willis | SO(RS) | 6’2” | 253 | Camden, MS |
| 11 | Tyler Lockhart | SO(RS) | 6’2” | 230 | Bassfield, MS |
| 14 | Devan Webster | SO(RS) | 6’2” | 266 | Oxford, MS |
| 7 | Zakari Tillman | SR(RS) | 6’2” | 236 | Florence, MS |
| 31 | Lakendrick James | JR(RS) | 6’2” | 251 | Shelby, MS |
| 30 | Montrell Chapman | JR(RS) | 6’3” | 232 | Batesville, MS |
| 20 | Timote Topa | FR | 6’4” | 225 | Atlanta, GA |
| 52 | Isaac Coffey | FR | 6’0” | 214 | Peoria, AZ |
| 13 | Taurean Yancey | JR(RS) | 6’2” | 231 | Baton Rouge, LA |
Jalen Smith is the other defensive starter returning from last year, but that doesn't mean this group lacks experience. Look for Tyshun Willis to immediately find himself at home as he gets starts and racks up the tackles.
Middle Linebackers
| # | Name | Year | Height | Weight | Hometown |
| 16 | Derion Gullette | JR(RS) | 6’3” | 241 | Marlin, TX |
| 0 | Fatt Forrest | SO(RS) | 6’2” | 239 | Kilmichael, MS |
| 32 | AJ Rice | SO(RS) | 6’1” | 242 | Huntsville, AL |
| 27 | Jamerson Barmore | FR | 6’0” | 227 | Alpharetta, GA |
| 34 | Isaiah Madu | FR | 6’2” | 209 | Louisville, MS |
While they might be a guy short in the depth chart there is not a lack of it at middle linebacker for the Bulldogs. Derion Gullette will be leading the line for the Bulldogs and Fatt Forrest is a great talent himself that will be able to step up if called upon.
Cornerbacks
| # | Name | Year | Height | Weight | Hometown |
| 15 | Jayven Williams | SR(RS) | 6’2” | 186 | Mobile, AL |
| 24 | Elijah Cannon | SO(RS) | 6’0” | 182 | Coconut Creek, FL |
| 8 | Lonnie Maddox | FR | 6’1” | 178 | Memphis, TN |
| 6 | Damon Whittaker | JR(RS) | 6’2” | 204 | Lake Cormorant, MS |
| 25 | Quincy Nwaneri | FR | 5’10” | 178 | Houston, TX |
| 17 | Jose Andrews | FR | 6’1” | 177 | Bakersfield, CA |
One of the weaker elements of the Bulldog defense. A pretty young group that is lead by Senior Jayven Williams, look for their success to be a key part of the defensive success for the Bulldogs.
Free Safeties
| # | Name | Year | Height | Weight | Hometown |
| 12 | Tyler Woodard | SR(RS) | 6’2” | 212 | Memphis, TN |
| 21 | Antonio Moe | FR | 6’0” | 187 | Cincinnati, OH |
| 18 | Sekou Smith Jr | FR(RS) | 6’0” | 183 | Miami, FL |
| 4 | James Van Ness | FR | 5’10” | 189 | Madison, MS |
| 19 | Cyrus Reyes | SO(RS) | 6’1” | 202 | Katy, TX |
Another spot that is a bit weaker on the Bulldog defense, Tyler Woodard will be the starter but after that there is a clear lack of experience that could be a problem for the Bulldogs.
Strong Safeties
| # | Name | Year | Height | Weight | Hometown |
| 22 | Peyton Bowen | SR(RS) | 6’0” | 203 | Corinth, TX |
| 9 | Tony Mitchell | SR(RS) | 6’1” | 216 | Alabaster, AL |
| 36 | Ja’bryis Stewart | JR(RS) | 6’1” | 217 | Crystal Springs, MS |
| 3 | Emanuel Rossi | FR | 6’1” | 179 | Mount Pleasant, TX |
Peyton Bowen is a big name transfer from Oklahoma who has had a history of making plays when the game is on the line. Strong Safety was a strong position last season for the Bulldogs with the way the defense is set up. Look for Bowen to have a break out season.
Kickers
| # | Name | Year | Height | Weight | Hometown |
| 80 | Kyle Ferrie | SR(RS) | 6’1” | 206 | Searcy, AR |
| 10 | Kevin Ah You | FR | 5’8” | 181 | Park City, UT |
Kyle Ferrie is the returning kicker but I don't consider a kicker or a punter a returning starter. He should easily have the job even with some missteps and injuries from last season.
Punters
| # | Name | Year | Height | Weight | Hometown |
| 88 | Ethan Pulliam | SO(RS) | 6’1” | 192 | Starkville, MS |
| 16 | Taylor Lauletta | FR | 6’3” | 168 | Colonial Heights, VA |
Ethan Pulliam comes into the season as the starter but Taylor Lauletta will be waiting for his chance if Pulliam starts to have any issues.
