Mississippi State's Lebby Discusses O-Line, Defense Ahead of Final Spring Practice

Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby spoke with media one last time before the end of spring football in Starkville.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:36pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Mississippi State football practice or game, with sharp planes of maroon, white, and gray overlapping to capture the sport's physicality and tactical nature.A cubist interpretation of the physical intensity and strategic complexity of Mississippi State's spring football practices.Mississippi State Today

Mississippi State football head coach Jeff Lebby discussed the progress of his offensive and defensive lines, the safety group, and the development of quarterback KaMario Taylor as the Bulldogs wrap up spring practices this week. Lebby highlighted the physicality and back-and-forth between the O-line and D-line units, as well as the depth and talent emerging in the safety room. He also praised the consistency and growth of Taylor, the team's starting QB, and the impact his running ability will have on the offense.

Why it matters

As Mississippi State looks to build on last season and compete in the SEC West, the development of the offensive and defensive lines as well as the quarterback position will be critical. Lebby's comments provide insight into how those key position groups are shaping up heading into the summer and fall camp.

The details

Lebby said the offensive and defensive lines have had the most physical spring of his tenure, with a lot of back-and-forth between the units. He feels good about the depth on the O-line, with seven players he trusts, and is hoping to get to eight or nine by fall camp. On the defensive line, Lebby singled out Jahkeem Shumpert Perkins as a player who has really stood out this spring with his consistency and development. In the secondary, Lebby is excited about the safety group, saying they are longer, bigger and faster than in previous years, with five players he believes can contribute at a high level. At quarterback, Lebby praised the growth of KaMario Taylor, saying he's made significant progress in the last year and will be a key part of the offense with his running ability.

  • The Bulldogs wrap up their final week of spring practices this week.
  • The team's final spring practice will be on Saturday, with just helmets, t-shirts and jerseys.

The players

Jeff Lebby

The head football coach at Mississippi State University.

Jahkeem Shumpert Perkins

A defensive lineman for the Mississippi State Bulldogs who has stood out this spring with his consistency and development.

KaMario Taylor

The starting quarterback for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who Lebby praised for his growth and development over the last year.

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What they’re saying

“He's putting it together. I'm not gonna say that I'm surprised by it. I'm really, really excited about his development, his accountability, who's been and his consistency, and that part, for me, has been awesome to see.”

— Jeff Lebby, Head Coach

“He wants a couple things back from Saturday. I think I mentioned that Saturday right after the scrimmage, and it was very immediate for him. He did some things yesterday in two minute that I thought showed how much progress he's made in the calendar year, and some things that he's done, just from a planning and development standpoint, he has.”

— Jeff Lebby, Head Coach

What’s next

The Bulldogs will hold their final spring practice on Saturday, with a focus on individual work and accountability as players prepare for the summer and fall camp.

The takeaway

Mississippi State's spring practices have highlighted the continued development of the team's offensive and defensive lines, as well as the growth of starting quarterback KaMario Taylor. These position groups will be critical to the Bulldogs' success in the 2026 season as they look to compete in the SEC West.