For Mississippi State, preparation is key for opener vs. ULM

Jul 23, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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 a game.

"I don't think of it in a way of being too prepared," Lebby told reporters. "Actually, the first thing we talked about (Monday) is confidence comes from preparation. Preparation is what creates a ton of confidence.

"Walking down that ramp Saturday night and being prepared is what it is all about. That has got to be advantage us."

The Bulldogs finished 5-8 last season, winning just once in Southeastern Conference play, and will look to start strong against a Warhawks team hoping to bounce back from a 3-9 campaign. ULM played Alabama, from the SEC, last year and lost 73-0.

Warhawks coach Bryant Vincent said he likes that his team, which plays in the Sun Belt Conference, will face an SEC team right out of the gate this time.

"If you play an SEC team, you understand the length, the size, the speed. This will be the most talented team we will see this year," Vincent said. "I like being in the fire early and playing them Game 1. Our players welcome it. It puts us on a big stage."

At quarterback, Kamario Taylor is the starter for Mississippi State and appeared in 11 games as a true freshman in 2025. But he's 0-2 as a starter. His top target is expected to be Anthony Evans III, who ranked tied for third in the SEC in catches (67) and 10th in yards (831).

Safety Isaac Smith will help anchor the defense after finishing fourth on the team in tackles last season with 64.

The Warhawks have a more experienced quarterback in Aidan Armenta, who enters his second season as the starter after throwing for 1,629 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025.

Nic Trujillo is one of the key offensive weapons back. He caught 23 passes for 368 yards and four touchdowns a year ago.