You’ve probably heard the term "D-Line U" thrown around on Saturday afternoons in the Fall. Usually, it’s some analyst in a suit trying to hype up a specific program for the cameras. But honestly? If you look at the guys actually suiting up on Sundays, Mississippi State has a legitimate claim to that title—and it isn't just about the big guys up front anymore.
Starkville isn't exactly a glitzy metropolis. It’s a town built on cowbells and grit. That specific brand of "State" toughness tends to translate remarkably well to the professional level. While blue-blood programs brag about five-star recruits who flame out by year two, the Mississippi State NFL players currently in the league are mostly known for being high-floor, high-motor workers who end up signing massive second and third contracts.
The Big Three: Prescott, Jones, and Simmons
If we’re talking about the current faces of the franchise in the pros, you have to start with the "Big Three." As of the 2025-2026 season, Dak Prescott, Chris Jones, and Jeffery Simmons aren't just participants; they are the standard-bearers for their respective teams.
Dak Prescott is the obvious one. He just wrapped up the 2025 regular season with the Dallas Cowboys, throwing for 4,175 yards and 28 touchdowns. He’s essentially the elder statesman of the program now. People love to debate Dak’s "clutch" factor, but you can’t argue with a guy who has surpassed Tony Romo as the all-time passing leader for the most valuable sports franchise on Earth. He was recently named to his fourth Pro Bowl, and even at age 32, he’s still playing some of the most efficient football of his career.
Then you have Chris Jones with the Kansas City Chiefs. The guy is a mountain. He’s arguably the most disruptive interior pass rusher in the league not named Aaron Donald (and well, Donald is retired). Jones signed a massive $158.75 million extension that keeps him in KC through 2028, and he’s earning every penny. Watching him split a double team in the playoffs is basically a rite of passage for NFL fans at this point.
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And don't sleep on Jeffery Simmons. "Big Jeff" just earned First-Team All-Pro honors for the Tennessee Titans in January 2026. He put up a career-high 11 sacks this season. That’s insane for a defensive tackle. He’s the heart of that Nashville defense, and his path from a draft-day "risk" (due to a pre-draft injury) to a perennial All-Pro is a masterclass in how Mississippi State develops raw talent.
Why the "Underdog" Label is Mostly a Myth
It’s easy to call these guys underdogs, but that’s sort of a lazy narrative. Look at the draft capital. Charles Cross went 9th overall to the Seahawks. Emmanuel Forbes was a mid-first-rounder for Washington. Montez Sweat? First round.
Mississippi State isn't just lucking into these players. They are recruiting athletes with specific physical profiles—long arms, high motors—and then coaching them into technical assassins.
Take Montez Sweat, for example. He’s been a revelation for the Chicago Bears since coming over from the Commanders. In the 2025 Wild Card round against Green Bay, he was all over the field, recording quarterback hurries and pass breakups. He’s the type of player who doesn't always show up in the "sack" column every week, but the opposing left tackle is usually having a miserable time regardless.
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The New Wave: Marks and Emerson Jr.
The 2025 season saw some new names start to take over the headlines. Jo’Quavious "Woody" Marks, the rookie running back for the Houston Texans, had a massive breakout in the 2026 Wild Card round against Pittsburgh. He ran for 112 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. It was his first 100-yard game as a pro, and PFF gave him the highest grade of any running back that weekend.
Then there’s Martin Emerson Jr. in Cleveland. He has quietly become one of the more physical cornerbacks in the AFC North. He isn't a "shout-from-the-rooftops" kind of player, but he’s a starter on a top-tier defense. That's the Mississippi State way: show up, hit people, and collect a check.
A Legacy Beyond the Trenches
While the defensive line gets the glory, the Bulldogs have a weirdly strong history of producing elite specialists and "glue" guys.
- Logan Cooke (Jaguars): He is consistently one of the best punters in the league. In the 2025-2026 season, he averaged over 48 yards per punt. People don't talk about punters until they pin a team at the 2-yard line, which Cooke does better than almost anyone.
- J.T. Gray (Buccaneers/Saints): A special teams ace. He’s been a Pro Bowler in that role because he’s a heat-seeking missile on kickoff coverage.
- Elgton Jenkins (Packers): He’s basically a Swiss Army knife on the offensive line. He can play center, guard, or tackle. Coaches love him because he allows them to keep their best five players on the field, regardless of injuries.
Surprising Facts about Mississippi State Alumni
Most people think of Mississippi State as a "recent" success story, but the roots go deep. Did you know Kent Hull, the legendary center for the Buffalo Bills during their four-straight Super Bowl runs, was a Bulldog? He wasn't even drafted! He played in the USFL first. Talk about a "State" story.
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Or look at D.D. Lewis, who was a staple of the Dallas Cowboys "Doomsday Defense" in the 70s. He played in five Super Bowls. The school has a history of producing guys who don't just make the league, but they stay in the league for a decade.
The "Starkville to Sundays" Pipeline by the Numbers
As of early 2026, the count of Mississippi State NFL players on active rosters or reserve lists remains impressively high for a school of its size. We’re talking about roughly 25 to 30 players consistently in the mix.
Houston currently has a bit of a "Starkville South" vibe with Denico Autry and Woody Marks contributing heavily to their playoff run. Autry is 35 years old and still outperforming guys ten years younger than him. He had a half-sack and two pass defenses in the recent win over the Steelers. That kind of longevity is rare, and it’s something the Mississippi State coaching staff uses as a major recruiting tool.
What to Watch for in the 2026 Offseason
If you’re a fan or a fantasy manager keeping tabs on these guys, keep an eye on the following:
- Charles Cross's Development: He just signed a $104.4 million extension with Seattle. He’s expected to be the anchor of that line for the next half-decade.
- The Cornerback Room in Washington: Emmanuel Forbes has had a rocky start to his career, but his performance in the 2025 playoffs for the Rams (where he was traded/loaned or moved) showed he still has that ball-hawk instinct.
- The 2026 Draft: Expect another wave of defensive talent to enter the league. State’s ability to replenish the cupboard is almost mechanical at this point.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
If you are tracking Mississippi State NFL players, don't just look at the stat sheet. Look at the snap counts. Players like Preston Smith and Denico Autry remain relevant because they are technically sound and durable. When betting on or drafting "State" players in fantasy, prioritize the trench players (DL/OL) for long-term value, as they tend to have much longer NFL lifespans than the average pro. Also, keep an eye on the Houston Texans roster—they clearly have a scouting preference for the Bulldogs' defensive system.