You’d think a matchup between two schools that have been in the same conference for over a decade would have some deep-seated, blood-feud history. Honestly, it doesn't. When people talk about Mississippi State vs Missouri football, they usually focus on the fact that these two just don't see each other enough to truly hate each other.
Since Missouri joined the SEC in 2012, they’ve only played a handful of times. It’s a quirk of the old divisional crossover scheduling that made certain "rivalries" feel more like long-distance relationships. But things are changing fast. With the SEC expanding and divisions disappearing, this matchup is becoming a barometer for who actually belongs in the top half of the toughest conference in the country.
The November 2024 Meltdown and What It Taught Us
If you want to understand where these programs stand right now, look back at November 23, 2024. Starkville was loud. The Bulldogs actually jumped out to an early lead. Fans were thinking, maybe this is the one. Then Daylan Carnell happened.
A 68-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Missouri basically sucked the oxygen out of Davis Wade Stadium. Missouri went on to win 39-20. It wasn't just a loss for State; it was a clinical demonstration of what Eli Drinkwitz has built in Columbia. Missouri played keep-away, holding the ball for nearly 42 minutes. Forty-two!
Mississippi State’s Davon Booth ran for 124 yards that day, and Michael Van Buren Jr. showed flashes of being "the guy," but the Bulldogs’ defense just couldn't get off the field. Missouri’s Marcus Carroll was a human wrecking ball, scoring three times. That game proved that while State has the "bite," Missouri currently has the "bulk."
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The 2025 Rebuilds and The Portal Chaos
Fast forward to where we are now in early 2026. The rosters look almost nothing like they did that afternoon in Starkville.
Jeff Lebby has been aggressive. Like, "trading in the old truck for a Ferrari" aggressive. He brought in 65 new players for the 2025 cycle, including 37 from the portal. But here’s the kicker: Mississippi State actually raided Missouri’s roster this offseason. They landed Marquis Johnson, a wide receiver who put up over 1,000 yards during his time in Columbia. Imagine that—your former deep threat lining up in Maroon and White to burn your own secondary.
Missouri hasn't stayed quiet either. They’re dealing with the departure of Brady Cook, who finally exhausted his eligibility after what felt like ten years. Drinkwitz brought in Beau Pribula from Penn State to compete with Sam Horn. It’s a total shift in identity. Missouri is moving toward a more dual-threat, chaotic offensive style, while Lebby is trying to make State the fastest-playing team in the SEC.
Series History: It’s Closer Than You Think
People assume Missouri dominates this because of their recent success, but the all-time record is actually quite tight.
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- Total Matchups: 6
- Missouri Wins: 4
- Mississippi State Wins: 2
- First Meeting: 1981 (Missouri won 14-3)
- Most Recent Meeting: November 15, 2025 (Missouri won 49-27)
State’s biggest win in the series came back in 2020, a 51-32 shootout where the Bulldogs looked unstoppable. But lately, it’s been all Tigers. Missouri has won the last two meetings by a combined score of 88-47. That’s a gap Mississippi State has to close if they want to be taken seriously in the new-look SEC.
The "New SEC" Reality
The biggest misconception about Mississippi State vs Missouri football is that it's a "bottom-tier" game. That’s nonsense. In 2025, Missouri finished 8-5 and played in the Gator Bowl. They’re a consistent top-25 threat now.
Mississippi State is the one playing catch-up. Their 2025 season was a struggle, ending with a loss to Wake Forest in their bowl game. But the recruiting rankings for 2026 tell a different story. State is currently sitting with a massive 51-man commitment class. They are quite literally trying to outnumber their problems.
The upcoming matchup on September 26, 2026, in Starkville is already circled on calendars. It’s an early-season test that will likely decide if State is ready to climb out of the cellar or if Missouri is going to remain the "gatekeeper" of the SEC.
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What to Watch for in the Next Matchup
Keep an eye on the trenches. Missouri lost some serious beef to the NFL after 2025, specifically DT Kristian Williams. State’s offensive line, which has been a revolving door of transfers like Mario Nash and Jaelyne Matthews, has to prove they can hold up against SEC size.
Also, watch the coaching chess match. Drinkwitz is a tinkerer. He’ll change his entire scheme mid-game if he sees a weakness. Lebby is a "system" guy—he wants to run his plays at light speed regardless of what you do. It’s a clash of philosophies that usually results in a lot of points and a very long game.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're betting on or analyzing the future of this series, look at the "hidden yards." In the 2024 and 2025 games, Missouri won the special teams battle decisively. Until State cleans up their pre-snap penalties and special teams coverage, Missouri’s disciplined approach will keep winning out.
Next Steps for Following the Rivalry:
- Track the QB Battle: Follow Sam Horn’s recovery at Missouri; his health determines their 2026 ceiling.
- Monitor the "Missouri-to-State" Pipeline: Watch how Marquis Johnson integrates into Lebby’s offense—he could be the "X-factor" in the 2026 game.
- Check the September Weather: Starkville in late September is a humidity trap; it historically favors the home team’s conditioning.
This series isn't just about two mid-western and southern schools bumping heads. It's about the survival of the fittest in a conference that no longer has room for "off weeks."