This tracker will keep tabs on which Mississippi State football players have opted out of playing in the Duke's Mayo Bowl against Wake Forest.

The Bulldogs' season was brought back to life Sunday after other teams turned down bowl invitations, leaving a spot open for them.

Here's how Mississippi State football was able to get into a bowl game in 2025, despite not reaching six wins.

Mississippi State football accepted an invitation to play in the Duke's Mayo Bowl on Jan. 2 despite having only five wins.

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football signed its prospects to the 2026 recruiting class on Dec. 3. The Bulldogs signed 28 players on the first of three days of the early signing period.

Lane Kiffin and Co. hit the road to Starkville, looking to further cement College Football Playoff chances.

Mississippi State has fired defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler and is expected to target ex-coach and DC Zach Arnett, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported.

COLUMBIA, MO — Mississippi State football made plenty of costly mistakes en route to another SEC loss. The Bulldogs (5-6, 1-6 SEC) were dropped 49-27 by No. 24 Missouri (7-3, 3-3) on Nov. 15 at Memorial Stadium.

The No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels and Mississippi State Bulldogs meet in the Egg Bowl Friday in Starkville, Mississippi. Kickoff is set for noon ET.

The Bulldogs added an associated head coach on offense and a familiar face to rejoin with Zach Arnett and the linebackers' room.