STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football returned to Scott Field at Davis Wade Stadium for the first time since the Egg Bowl on Saturday, holding a scrimmage with pads featuring 11-on-11 drills.

Head coach Jeff Lebby spoke with the media afterward and gave a lot of credit to the defensive side of the ball under defensive coordinator Zach Arnett.

“It was good to be back in the stadium, give our guys the ability to go play with coaches off the field,” Lebby said. “I really liked what I saw defensively, just the effort and the energy and attitude was what we needed. Offensively, some pre-snap issues with multiple groups that kept us from being able to get into rhythm offensively. Defensively they were on the attack all day and did some really good things.”

Pre-snap penalties were a recurring problem for the Bulldog offensive line last season, and the team as a whole averaged seven penalties per game.

The offense is also piecing together a starting unit with only a handful of returning starters. Only running back Fluff Bothwell, receiver Anthony Evans and offensive linemen Cannon Boone and Blake Steen return as Week 1 starters from the 2025 unit, and Lebby is eager to get to work on improving from the first scrimmage with the new group.

“We needed it, it’s a huge deal for us to play the way we need on the defensive side,” Lebby said of the new energy on defense. “So many good things happening this morning in the scrimmage, there’s going to be a ton to clean up. If our guys have the right mindset and clean it up, taking ownership in moments that weren’t what we want, then we’ll continue to make the strides we need to make.”

Leaders in the huddle

Despite the turnover on the roster and coaching staff, the defense returns several key leaders, with senior Isaac Smith chief among them as a two-time All-SEC linebacker.

Smith is set to be one of the few four-year Bulldogs next season, and as such remembers the first stint under Arnett and returning co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, Matt Brock.

“They recruited me out of high school,” Smith said. “As a freshman, they came with energy and juice every day. Honestly, I feel like that’s just increased, and it’s great to have those guys back to coach us, lead us on the defensive side of the ball.”

Smith has been an important leader on the defense since 2024, a season in which he led the SEC in tackles as a sophomore. As he prepares for his last campaign, he’s prioritizing his continued development as a leader on the field and getting more wins under his belt.

“For me it’s about trying to become a better leader and bringing up guys that are going to be really good,” he said. “And most importantly, just staying healthy. I want this year to be my best year that I’ve had at Mississippi State, and I want to win. I’m doing everything I can to stay healthy, win and put what I can for the team on the table.”

On the offensive side, Lebby pointed to the work done by returning leaders. Kamario Taylor continues to be a strong presence since rising to starting quarterback, and the head coach has seen Bothwell and Evans rise up in their positions after a productive 2025.

“We need them to have a voice, continue to create a voice and lead the right way,” Lebby said. “That’s the expectation for those two guys, and they’re doing that. We continue to need more from both of them, but excited about their potential from a production standpoint and continuing to lead for us.”

The Bulldogs will host an open scrimmage for fans at Davis Wade Stadium at 9:30 a.m. April 11. The team will run more than 100 plays before taking part in photo and autograph opportunities after practice with fans.