Maroon Friday Update: Oct. 24

Happy Maroon Friday!

It is a great day to be a Mississippi State Bulldog!

Starkville started buzzing yesterday as we prepare for our Bulldogs to host Texas at Davis Wade Stadium tomorrow at 3:15 p.m. We need you there. Secure your tickets. Welcome back to your favorite place.

Other SEC matchups in Starkville this weekend include:

Friday (Tonight): Volleyball vs. No. 3 Kentucky at 6 p.m. inside Newell-Grissom. Admission is free – join us!
Sunday at 2 p.m.: Soccer hosts its final regular season match of the year. Admission is free – see you at the pitch!
Sunday at 4 p.m.: Volleyball is back in action versus No. 16 Tennessee at Newell-Grissom.

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to co-host, alongside the Starkville Partnership, a group of business leaders from across the community for our NIL in Action event. This gathering allowed our team to share insights, best practices, and real data on the power of third-party NIL opportunities and student-athlete marketing – highlighting the positive results these partnerships have for both businesses and student-athletes. Dr. Hurt with Magnolia Dermatology shared with the business leaders in the room her recent deal with soccer's Ella Petersen, and how that came to be – along with details that showcased the feasibility in finding the right partnership and approach for each business. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of engaging in student-athlete marketing or 3rd party NIL. That will be the differentiator for schools in our league.

In 2024, Learfield conducted a survey, and the results were really telling – the impact of partnering with student-athletes is proving to be a great boost to the business.

Did you know that when businesses use NIL assets, consumers report a more positive brand impression, hold the brand in higher regard, and see an increase in purchase intent? That is a win-win.

A special thank you goes to Mike Tagert, who helped make this event possible. Mike is a tremendous asset to both Starkville and Mississippi State University, consistently demonstrating an unwavering commitment to strengthening our community. His leadership, hard work, and genuine care for people reflect the very best of what it means to serve others. We're deeply grateful for all he does to support MSU and the city we proudly call home.

This afternoon, Coach Brian O'Connor and I had the opportunity to visit with the MSU Foundation Board. Coach O'Connor shared his early experiences at State and his vision for how we can continue to move forward in this new era. Our head coaches are incredibly busy – every second of every day is accounted for – so I appreciate Coach O'Connor taking time to meet with this important group of university influencers.

If you're not traveling to Fayetteville next weekend, come out to Dudy Noble Field on November 1 at 12 p.m. to catch our Diamond Dawgs in their first scrimmage of the Coach O'Connor era. Admission is free, and stadium rules apply.

Then the following weekend, November 7 and November 8, don't forget to lock in your tickets for the Farm Bureau Diamond Dawg Classic powered by the Bulldog Initiative – an event you won't want to miss. While you're at it, secure your seats for Saturday's game vs. Georgia at Davis Wade Stadium.

Basketball season is upon us. Our men's basketball team is in Houston for an exhibition game on Sunday, and our women's basketball team is at home verses Union on Sunday at 7p.m. Exhibition games are now open to the public – come out and watch our women's team on Sunday.

We have a Bulldog doing big things on the west coast. Madison Plummer is a trailblazer making waves in professional sports. Madison graduated from Mississippi State in 2024, following in the footsteps of her father, Bruce Plummer, who played defensive back for the Bulldogs from 1983-86. Madison now serves as a full-time equipment assistant for the Los Angeles Rams. Way to represent Mississippi State, Madison! Check out espnW's post and article here.

We've got to give a big shoutout to young Bulldog fan Jameson Carter, who absolutely nailed his Halloween costume this week – dressing up as Will Ferrell from the iconic SNL skit. Jameson, the son of Will and Missy Carter, brought plenty of smiles (and plenty of cowbell) to Starkville with his creative Bulldog spirit. Hail State, Jameson! We've definitely got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!

See you tomorrow. We need you there! Check out the outstanding work by our creative team and thank you to Coach Sherrill for narrating. If you love the Bulldogs, I know you are going to love this video. Welcome back to your favorite spot… welcome home.

Welcome Back To Your Favorite Spot.

Welcome 𝐻𝑜𝓂𝑒. pic.twitter.com/bSCYpE5N30
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) October 24, 2025

Hail State!
Zac
Zac Selmon Signature Left

Mississippi State University Athletics

Related News

Related Videos