Editor’s Note: It’s never too early for football. In anticipation for Mississippi State’s 2026-27 season, The Dispatch will spend this week and next breaking down MSU’s position groups. Today’s position: the running backs.
Mississippi State’s 2026-27 running back room has already done something rare.
Of the 16 schools in the SEC, just four are heading into the year without a running back transfer on the roster. MSU is one of those four.
The Bulldogs bring more than 180 carries and eight touchdowns from last year’s running back room into this season. The Bulldogs rushing attack was ninth in the SEC last season, averaging 157 yards per game, but a veteran running back room paired with last season’s third-leading rusher, quarterback Kamario Taylor, gives State an opportunity to climb the conference rushing ranks.
RB1 – junior Fluff Bothwell
While his name is contradictory to the mentality necessary of a Division I running back, Bothwell returns to Starkville after leading State in rushing last season.
Bothwell split carries with Devon Booth last year, tallying 142 carries in 11 games. He tallied 677 yards, nearly five yards per carry, and six touchdowns.
Bothwell, who’s listed at 5 ‘10 and 230 pounds, had his best college season as a freshman at South Alabama. He was third-team All-Sun Belt, leading the conference in rushing touchdowns (13) with 834 yards.
RB2 – junior Xavier Gayten
Xavier Gayten is fast.
A dual-sport athlete at Brookhaven High School, Gayten had a personal best 10.95 second time in the 100m dash. It’s speed that’s translated to the gridiron, and in 2024 Gayten showcased his quickness to a chorus of cowbells as a freshman with his first career touchdown, a 72-yard touchdown against UMass where he went untouched.
Gayten has just 37 carries and 272 yards over his two seasons in Starkville, but is poised to see an increase in production this season.
Coming in at 6’ 0, 205, the junior will likely step into the RB2 role next season.
RB3 – redshirt freshman Kolin Wilson
Kolin Wilson was a monster at Gulf Shores High School.
A consensus 3-star recruit, Wilson had 60 touchdowns and 4,335 yards in his high school career. He stepped into a small role as a true freshman, totaling six attempts and 29 yards over his five games, but could see an increase in production in 2026.
Wilson comes in on the smaller side at 5’ 9, 190.
The freshmen
Cooper Crosby
A true freshman from Gulfport High School. Was a 3-star recruit with offers from Auburn, Army and Louisiana. Measures at 6’ 0, 250.
J.J Hill
A true freshman from Tupelo High School. A 3-star recruit with offers from Oregon, Texas A&M and Tennessee. Measures at 6’ 0, 220.
Jake is the Mississippi State athletics reporter for The Dispatch.
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