Heisman hopeful among Bulldogs to know vs. Mississippi State in Week 5

Heisman hopeful among Bulldogs to know vs. Mississippi State in Week 5

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Heisman hopeful among Bulldogs to know vs. Mississippi State in Week 5

On Saturday afternoon, the Alabama Crimson Tide are set to face a ranked team for the first time this season in the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Led by head coach Jeff Lebby, the Bulldogs are off to one of their best starts in recent seasons, currently sitting at an undefeated 4-0 overall (2-0 SEC). As a result, the Bulldogs were ranked at No. 16 in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll, and have one of the SEC's top offenses averaging 43 points per game.

The Bulldogs have also defeated South Carolina and Missouri in back-to-back weeks ahead of Saturday's matchup in Starkville, and pair the two with wins over UL Monroe and Minnesota on their resume so far this season.

Following is a look at five Mississippi State Bulldogs to know ahead of Saturday's showdown in Starkville, as well as how each has performed against Alabama before, if at all.

Kamario Taylor, Quarterback

Sep 12, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) throws a pass against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

The sophomore has emerged as one of top quarterbacks in college football across four games this season where he has completed 69.2% of passes for 1,192 yards and a 14:2 TD:INT ratio, while also having rushed for 185 yards and a score on 37 attempts. Facing the Crimson Tide defense for the first time, Taylor's 14 touchdown passes so far this season are currently the most in college football.

Anthony Evans III, Wide Receiver

Sep 5, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Anthony Evans III (3) reacts after a first down catch during the first quarter against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The former Georgia transfer is currently leading the SEC with 28 receptions so far this season, which he has turned into 408 yards and three touchdowns. Evans, a senior, has faced Alabama twice before while at Georgia where he had a pair of receptions for 28 yards, as well as a number of kick/punt returns on special teams.

Fluff Bothwell, Running Back

Sep 12, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Fluff Bothwell (24) scores a touchdown on a 3-yard run against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

Bothwell has rushed for 402 yards and three touchdowns on 73 attempts so far this season, while also having made nine receptions for 96 yards and another score. The junior running back will be facing Alabama for the first time this Saturday.

Sanfrisco Magee, Wide Receiver

Sep 5, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Sanfrisco Magee (13) runs after a catch as Louisiana Monroe Warhawks safety DJ Jester (14) dives to make the tackle during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Magee is currently leading the SEC with five receiving touchdowns this season, doing so off 13 receptions for 208 yards. The redshirt sophomore will be facing Alabama for the first time.

Tyler Lockhart, Linebacker

Sep 5, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Tyler Lockhart (11) waits for the snap during the third quarter against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Rounding out this list is Lockhart, a sophomore linebacker who ranks second on the Bulldogs defense with 26 total tackles this season, while also having racked up two TFL and 1.5 sacks. Lockhart will be facing Alabama for the first time Saturday.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Heisman hopeful among Bulldogs to know vs. Mississippi State in Week 5

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