Our Path To New Heights | By Zac Selmon
January 23, 2025 | Athletics
By Zac Selmon, Mississippi State Director of Athletics
For me, the end of one year and the start of another brings reflection and assessment, along with ideas and excitement. Each new year seems full of countless opportunities, especially here in Starkville, and it is energizing. Since January 2023, when Rachel, our two daughters and I were offered the opportunity of a lifetime to join the Bulldog Family, we have been sprinting. We love the constant pursuit of new heights and that is how we have spent each day since arriving in what USA Today named the "Best Small Town in the South."
Over the holidays, there was a small break in our sports schedule which coincided with my daughters' various activities slowing down for a day or two, along with a temporary lull in the transfer portal that suspended things for just a moment. It was actually the first time in nearly two years there was a pause. This isn't natural to me. My brain is constantly churning. There are always more calls to make, more games to watch, more projects to begin. However, for 24-36 hours, there was time for reflection, and a desire to take all of these things spinning in my head and put them on paper to share with you. I spend the majority of my days thinking about our Bulldog community because I believe whole-heartedly that to get where we all want to go, and to compete with anybody and everybody and WIN, it is going to take all of us.Â
When we arrived two years ago, we knew we not only needed to meet the challenges that were coming, but also to position State to seize every opportunity out there. Through energy, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, we want to make Mississippi State the destination for student-athletes who insist upon going after SEC and National Championships. To be the best we have to plan to be the best and demand nothing less. Starkville is a place where these kinds of dreams can come true.
I came across two quotes from Bulldog greats, one by Johnathan Abram, "You don't have to go anywhere other than Mississippi State to accomplish what you want to in life." Another one by Montez Sweat, "Mississippi State is a place where you can go and chase your dreams." I've thought about these quotes a lot over the last two years because they are so true. We have all the ingredients right here in Starkville, Mississippi.Â
To know more about where we are going, we must understand where we are.Â
First, I want to thank you for joining us on our path to greater heights. Our fundraising has far outpaced previous years. In the month of December, we had more than 40 major gift commitments. For context, Mississippi State Athletics usually averages around 60 major gifts per year. To receive 40 in one month alone shows the growing enthusiasm we're seeing from Bulldogs who are stepping up and taking part in our long-term vision. In just this six-month period alone, we are on track to more than double the number of seven-figure gifts that have ever been received by Mississippi State Athletics in a single year. Our success is only as strong as your support and these significant investments will have tremendous returns to our program. Each of us want competitive outcomes and that takes competitive resources. We are grateful for these outstanding investments. All the while, we know that the work is not finished, and continuous modernization in revenue generation, ticket sales, NIL opportunities, strategic facility enhancements, fan experience among other areas are required to progress Mississippi State forward.Â
Now let's talk recruiting. In addition to seeing new feats in fundraising, we are bringing some of the country's most valued talent to Starkville:
In addition to generating record donations at a historic pace and recruiting first-rate talent, we have sport programs who are leading the way on a national scale. Soccer and women's golf brought home SEC Championships this past year. Soccer set its top five attendance marks during the 2024 season, highlighted by the 4,022 on hand for our 1-0 victory against Washington in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. It was the largest crowd in program history and the top attendance in the nation for a second-round match. Men's basketball is currently ranked inside the Top 15 after back-to-back trips to the Big Dance. Fueled by 12 sell-out crowds over the last three seasons with many more on the way, it's no secret that Humphrey Coliseum is among the most electric environments in college hoops.Â
That support originates with the passion of our Bulldog Family and the avid winning culture which has infused our entire department. Mississippi State is going to compete to win with anyone and everyone at the highest levels.
We are in the hunt for more championships, and we'll never cease in our pursuit.
Our young men and women are not just competing athletically, they're thriving outside of competition as well. Our student-athletes posted the highest departmental GPA ever with a 3.34 in Fall 2024. It's the second consecutive semester we've turned in a school-high GPA. Fifteen of our 16 sport programs earned a 3.0+ GPA. Our student-athletes are graduating at record rates. Senior Associate A.D. for Student-Athlete Support Services, Christine Jackson, and her staff have done an extraordinary job in this space.
Of note, for the second straight semester, head coach Jeff Lebby's football program earned a record 3.05 GPA. Under Coach Lebby, these are the only two times football has surpassed the 3.0 mark. He is building the foundation for a long-term, sustainable program with a culture that prepares them for life beyond their time at Mississippi State, and I applaud Coach Lebby for the values and accountability he's fostering within the program.Â
A powerful ingredient fundamental to this culture is what Coach Lebby, Greg Knox, and Gerri Green have built with the D.A.W.G. Program. It is second to none. The mission of the D.A.W.G. Program (Developing A Winning Gameplan) is to provide resources such as internships, community service opportunities, career-based networking and preparation for life after sport. Last spring, they participated in a mission trip to Miami to support multiple schools and communities. They also hosted a football-only career fair in July. Year-round, the D.A.W.G. Program is an uplifting presence in the Starkville community – you've probably seen them on Friday mornings and afternoons during the season at local schools for morning drop off, lunches and classroom visits. This is the first time we have had a football-specific player development program and it's paying dividends in getting our athletes ready for life and is certainly a shining bragging point on the recruiting trail.Â
Eight months ago, we launched the Bulldog Athlete Services unit devoted to positively shape the academic, competitive and personal successes of all our student-athletes. This unit is made up of staff dedicated to brand building and NIL activations. Jerkaila Jordan's new "Jerk Sauce," in collaboration with alum and letterwinner Reggie Kelly at Kyvan Foods, is a perfect example of the work this group is doing to connect our student-athletes with brands and entrepreneurship opportunities, allowing them to maximize their NIL. This past fall, Josh Hubbard's merchandise on NILStore.com ranked No. 1 on the best-selling athletes list, while Mississippi State collectively ranked inside the Top 5 on a routine basis (across 100+ schools and 15,000+ athletes).Â
Mississippi State Athletics also recently hired Meagan Hooshyar as Assistant A.D. of Letterwinner Engagement to best connect us with our former student-athletes. Their daily presence back on campus is important to our department's initiatives. We saw the special homecoming last fall with the 2014 football team, which included Dak Prescott. Gerri Green, a Bulldog letterwinner himself, did an incredible job leading that event with its many moving parts to make sure that historic team had an unforgettable trip home.Â
That's where we are, now let's talk about where we are going.Â
The House v. NCAA case could be formally settled in April. This settlement will seal the decision that institutions and schools shall share revenues with student-athletes beginning July 1, 2025. In the first year under this new model, we will be distributing up to $20.5 million to our student-athletes. This is a new budget line item and will be a great challenge. Do I love all the elements that come with NIL and revenue sharing, no. But what I do know is that we should absolutely be providing increased benefits to our student-athletes and Mississippi State intends to embrace that and turn it to our advantage.Â
This new era of college athletics isn't going anywhere, and we can't look back. It is my job to make certain Mississippi State Athletics is well-leveraged to succeed in this new landscape. That is why my family and I came here. That is what Dr. Keenum hired me to do. Our calling is to build on past traditions while propelling MSU Athletics to new heights for all of us Bulldogs.Â
In addition to revenue sharing and increased benefits for student-athletes, we must continue to be strategic and precise in how we approach facility enhancements. If we neglect vital investments in our facilities and infrastructure, we negatively impact our future. We must satisfy the essentials needed today, while positioning Mississippi State Athletics for success for a long time to come. Our bold long-term vision will elevate the student-athlete journey, our fan experience and continue to showcase why MSU is a premier destination.Â
In working with the renowned and respected architecture firm, HOK Group, we designed a 10+ year plan with high-level concepts that enhance all our facilities and will be a difference-maker for every student-athlete who dons Maroon and White. This is a long-term blueprint for our journey over the next decade which we will continue to refine as we zero in on each specific project.Â
We are proud of the Master Plan in its entirety, but I can't help but note a few projects that really excite me right out of the gate. The enhancements to Davis Wade Stadium, including the upgrades announced earlier this week, will further electrify gamedays. In an atmosphere that is already unique to college football with the glorious sound of cowbells, we want to raise the fan and player experience at Davis Wade Stadium to even higher levels.Â
The indoor practice field at Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex is another project which will elevate our program and be crucial to the development and retention of players and coaches. This training facility will allow our players and coaches to train effectively for the highest level of competition. Mississippi State football is the only SEC program without an indoor practice facility. In today's climate, if we want to recruit, develop, compete and win in the toughest conference in the country, our players and program need the necessary infrastructure. Â Â
This extensive Master Plan is an ambitious map that charts our course to the future. We will undertake each individual project with precision as the timing is right, while navigating the changing landscape to meet the challenges of revenue sharing and new benefits to student-athletes. With that said, I felt like it was important to share this plan with you in its entirety. You can view it right here.Â
We know this road is sometimes hard, but we believe in the vision of Mississippi State's future. While this past football season did not meet our standard, we have so much good in front of us here at Mississippi State. We can and will achieve our dreams here. I love what we have and are doing. I know that our success depends upon engaging everyone in our community, every Bulldog everywhere. We are grateful for your support. You are the difference between Mississippi State and every other university. Thank you for joining in our pursuit to reach new heights.
Hail State!Â
Â
Â
For me, the end of one year and the start of another brings reflection and assessment, along with ideas and excitement. Each new year seems full of countless opportunities, especially here in Starkville, and it is energizing. Since January 2023, when Rachel, our two daughters and I were offered the opportunity of a lifetime to join the Bulldog Family, we have been sprinting. We love the constant pursuit of new heights and that is how we have spent each day since arriving in what USA Today named the "Best Small Town in the South."
Over the holidays, there was a small break in our sports schedule which coincided with my daughters' various activities slowing down for a day or two, along with a temporary lull in the transfer portal that suspended things for just a moment. It was actually the first time in nearly two years there was a pause. This isn't natural to me. My brain is constantly churning. There are always more calls to make, more games to watch, more projects to begin. However, for 24-36 hours, there was time for reflection, and a desire to take all of these things spinning in my head and put them on paper to share with you. I spend the majority of my days thinking about our Bulldog community because I believe whole-heartedly that to get where we all want to go, and to compete with anybody and everybody and WIN, it is going to take all of us.Â
When we arrived two years ago, we knew we not only needed to meet the challenges that were coming, but also to position State to seize every opportunity out there. Through energy, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, we want to make Mississippi State the destination for student-athletes who insist upon going after SEC and National Championships. To be the best we have to plan to be the best and demand nothing less. Starkville is a place where these kinds of dreams can come true.
I came across two quotes from Bulldog greats, one by Johnathan Abram, "You don't have to go anywhere other than Mississippi State to accomplish what you want to in life." Another one by Montez Sweat, "Mississippi State is a place where you can go and chase your dreams." I've thought about these quotes a lot over the last two years because they are so true. We have all the ingredients right here in Starkville, Mississippi.Â
To know more about where we are going, we must understand where we are.Â
First, I want to thank you for joining us on our path to greater heights. Our fundraising has far outpaced previous years. In the month of December, we had more than 40 major gift commitments. For context, Mississippi State Athletics usually averages around 60 major gifts per year. To receive 40 in one month alone shows the growing enthusiasm we're seeing from Bulldogs who are stepping up and taking part in our long-term vision. In just this six-month period alone, we are on track to more than double the number of seven-figure gifts that have ever been received by Mississippi State Athletics in a single year. Our success is only as strong as your support and these significant investments will have tremendous returns to our program. Each of us want competitive outcomes and that takes competitive resources. We are grateful for these outstanding investments. All the while, we know that the work is not finished, and continuous modernization in revenue generation, ticket sales, NIL opportunities, strategic facility enhancements, fan experience among other areas are required to progress Mississippi State forward.Â
Now let's talk recruiting. In addition to seeing new feats in fundraising, we are bringing some of the country's most valued talent to Starkville:
- Football's transfer portal class of 2025 is currently ranked Top 5 in the SEC as well as Top 10 and Top 15 nationally
- Men's basketball, women's basketball and baseball all turned in Top 10 recruiting classes for 2025:
- Men's basketball's class was No. 3 in the SEC and No. 7 nationally
- Women's basketball's class was No. 3 in the SEC and No. 10 nationally
- Baseball's class was No. 5 in the SEC and nationally
In addition to generating record donations at a historic pace and recruiting first-rate talent, we have sport programs who are leading the way on a national scale. Soccer and women's golf brought home SEC Championships this past year. Soccer set its top five attendance marks during the 2024 season, highlighted by the 4,022 on hand for our 1-0 victory against Washington in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. It was the largest crowd in program history and the top attendance in the nation for a second-round match. Men's basketball is currently ranked inside the Top 15 after back-to-back trips to the Big Dance. Fueled by 12 sell-out crowds over the last three seasons with many more on the way, it's no secret that Humphrey Coliseum is among the most electric environments in college hoops.Â
That support originates with the passion of our Bulldog Family and the avid winning culture which has infused our entire department. Mississippi State is going to compete to win with anyone and everyone at the highest levels.
We are in the hunt for more championships, and we'll never cease in our pursuit.
Our young men and women are not just competing athletically, they're thriving outside of competition as well. Our student-athletes posted the highest departmental GPA ever with a 3.34 in Fall 2024. It's the second consecutive semester we've turned in a school-high GPA. Fifteen of our 16 sport programs earned a 3.0+ GPA. Our student-athletes are graduating at record rates. Senior Associate A.D. for Student-Athlete Support Services, Christine Jackson, and her staff have done an extraordinary job in this space.
Of note, for the second straight semester, head coach Jeff Lebby's football program earned a record 3.05 GPA. Under Coach Lebby, these are the only two times football has surpassed the 3.0 mark. He is building the foundation for a long-term, sustainable program with a culture that prepares them for life beyond their time at Mississippi State, and I applaud Coach Lebby for the values and accountability he's fostering within the program.Â
A powerful ingredient fundamental to this culture is what Coach Lebby, Greg Knox, and Gerri Green have built with the D.A.W.G. Program. It is second to none. The mission of the D.A.W.G. Program (Developing A Winning Gameplan) is to provide resources such as internships, community service opportunities, career-based networking and preparation for life after sport. Last spring, they participated in a mission trip to Miami to support multiple schools and communities. They also hosted a football-only career fair in July. Year-round, the D.A.W.G. Program is an uplifting presence in the Starkville community – you've probably seen them on Friday mornings and afternoons during the season at local schools for morning drop off, lunches and classroom visits. This is the first time we have had a football-specific player development program and it's paying dividends in getting our athletes ready for life and is certainly a shining bragging point on the recruiting trail.Â
Eight months ago, we launched the Bulldog Athlete Services unit devoted to positively shape the academic, competitive and personal successes of all our student-athletes. This unit is made up of staff dedicated to brand building and NIL activations. Jerkaila Jordan's new "Jerk Sauce," in collaboration with alum and letterwinner Reggie Kelly at Kyvan Foods, is a perfect example of the work this group is doing to connect our student-athletes with brands and entrepreneurship opportunities, allowing them to maximize their NIL. This past fall, Josh Hubbard's merchandise on NILStore.com ranked No. 1 on the best-selling athletes list, while Mississippi State collectively ranked inside the Top 5 on a routine basis (across 100+ schools and 15,000+ athletes).Â
Mississippi State Athletics also recently hired Meagan Hooshyar as Assistant A.D. of Letterwinner Engagement to best connect us with our former student-athletes. Their daily presence back on campus is important to our department's initiatives. We saw the special homecoming last fall with the 2014 football team, which included Dak Prescott. Gerri Green, a Bulldog letterwinner himself, did an incredible job leading that event with its many moving parts to make sure that historic team had an unforgettable trip home.Â
That's where we are, now let's talk about where we are going.Â
The House v. NCAA case could be formally settled in April. This settlement will seal the decision that institutions and schools shall share revenues with student-athletes beginning July 1, 2025. In the first year under this new model, we will be distributing up to $20.5 million to our student-athletes. This is a new budget line item and will be a great challenge. Do I love all the elements that come with NIL and revenue sharing, no. But what I do know is that we should absolutely be providing increased benefits to our student-athletes and Mississippi State intends to embrace that and turn it to our advantage.Â
This new era of college athletics isn't going anywhere, and we can't look back. It is my job to make certain Mississippi State Athletics is well-leveraged to succeed in this new landscape. That is why my family and I came here. That is what Dr. Keenum hired me to do. Our calling is to build on past traditions while propelling MSU Athletics to new heights for all of us Bulldogs.Â
In addition to revenue sharing and increased benefits for student-athletes, we must continue to be strategic and precise in how we approach facility enhancements. If we neglect vital investments in our facilities and infrastructure, we negatively impact our future. We must satisfy the essentials needed today, while positioning Mississippi State Athletics for success for a long time to come. Our bold long-term vision will elevate the student-athlete journey, our fan experience and continue to showcase why MSU is a premier destination.Â
In working with the renowned and respected architecture firm, HOK Group, we designed a 10+ year plan with high-level concepts that enhance all our facilities and will be a difference-maker for every student-athlete who dons Maroon and White. This is a long-term blueprint for our journey over the next decade which we will continue to refine as we zero in on each specific project.Â
We are proud of the Master Plan in its entirety, but I can't help but note a few projects that really excite me right out of the gate. The enhancements to Davis Wade Stadium, including the upgrades announced earlier this week, will further electrify gamedays. In an atmosphere that is already unique to college football with the glorious sound of cowbells, we want to raise the fan and player experience at Davis Wade Stadium to even higher levels.Â
The indoor practice field at Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex is another project which will elevate our program and be crucial to the development and retention of players and coaches. This training facility will allow our players and coaches to train effectively for the highest level of competition. Mississippi State football is the only SEC program without an indoor practice facility. In today's climate, if we want to recruit, develop, compete and win in the toughest conference in the country, our players and program need the necessary infrastructure. Â Â
This extensive Master Plan is an ambitious map that charts our course to the future. We will undertake each individual project with precision as the timing is right, while navigating the changing landscape to meet the challenges of revenue sharing and new benefits to student-athletes. With that said, I felt like it was important to share this plan with you in its entirety. You can view it right here.Â
We know this road is sometimes hard, but we believe in the vision of Mississippi State's future. While this past football season did not meet our standard, we have so much good in front of us here at Mississippi State. We can and will achieve our dreams here. I love what we have and are doing. I know that our success depends upon engaging everyone in our community, every Bulldog everywhere. We are grateful for your support. You are the difference between Mississippi State and every other university. Thank you for joining in our pursuit to reach new heights.
Hail State!Â
Â
Â
2024-25 Mississippi State Athletics Recap
Thursday, August 21
STATE OF MIND: EP 4 | FT. ZAC SELMON
Thursday, January 09
STATE OF MIND: EP 1 | FT. JOSH HUBBARD
Monday, November 04
Zac Selmon Joins Charlie Winfield And Bart Gregory On Out Of Left Field
Thursday, October 03