Week 17 Preview: Mississippi State #STATEtoSundays

This week presents a great opportunity to watch some of your favorite Mississippi State alumni in action at the NFL level, with a total of 24 Bulldogs currently featured on NFL rosters, coaching staffs, and more.

Some standout Bulldogs who have successfully transitioned from college to the NFL include Pro Bowlers like Chris Jones, Darius Slay, Dak Prescott, Jeffery Simmons, Elgton Jenkins, Logan Cooke, J.T. Gray, and Montez Sweat. Cooke’s impressive performance in Week 16 even earned him the title of AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Mississippi State University also boasts four first-round draft picks in the league, such as Simmons, Sweat, Charles Cross, and Emmanuel Forbes, as well as Super Bowl Champions like Jones, Slay, and Willie Gay Jr. Not to mention, Prescott has been recognized as the NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2016 and the 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year.

While some players like Marcus Banks, Jaden Crumedy, and Tyre Phillips are part of the practice squad, others like Martin Emerson and Nathaniel Watson are unfortunately on injured reserve for the Browns and will miss the 2025 season. Additionally, talented individuals like Stephen Adegoke, Fred Walker, K.J. Wright, and DeAndre Ward have found success in coaching and support roles within the NFL.

Don’t miss the action on Thursday, December 25, as teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs take to the field. On Saturday, December 27, the Houston Texans, San Diego Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Atlanta Falcons will also be competing.

With so many Mississippi State alumni making a mark in the NFL, it’s clear that the Bulldogs continue to shine bright at the next level.