Maroon Friday Update: July 11

Happy Maroon Friday!

It's a great day to be a Mississippi State Bulldog!

I don't know how it felt for you, but for me, this week flew by! Last weekend, Rachel, the girls, and I spent the Fourth of July on 30A. It was a great trip filled with quality family time, sunshine, fresh air and even a little pickleball. While we don't get to visit as often as my 14-year-old Shayne would like, because of my schedule, we're grateful to live close enough to the beach to make quick trips when we get the chance. Of course, no visit is complete without my annual stops at Modica Market (which, by the way, has some great Bulldog ties). I could eat there for every meal. I love that place.

After a great trip, we hit the ground running with a packed week, including a visit from some incredible Houston Bulldogs, Bobby and Judy Shackouls, who were in town with their grandson for baseball camp. Bobby and Judy have made such a tremendous impact on Mississippi State and our students. It was a joy to see them again. I also had the chance to catch up with Michael Howard and his team from Howard Industries – Steve Howard, David Perkins, Rusty Thoms, Josh Jefcoat and Bennett Witcher. If you know those guys, you know you're going to leave with sore cheeks from laughing so much – Just salt-of-the-earth people.

I also met with our Fan Engagement team this week to review new activations for the upcoming football season, and I think you're going to really like what they've been working on for 2025. The team has put in months of planning and hard work, and I'm excited to see it come to life on Saturdays at Davis Wade.

Additionally, SEC athletics directors met virtually this week to discuss the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics and the current events. If you missed the information we released yesterday on this topic, be sure to check it out below:

I'm really proud of how our team continues to push forward and embrace change. A special S.T.A.T.E. (Serve, Together, Act, Transform, Excel) shoutout goes to Brandon Jolly, our longtime Deputy General Counsel, for his critical work in helping shape our approach to this new model. He prefers to stay behind the scenes, but his loyalty to Mississippi State deserves recognition. I'm also grateful to our General Counsel, Joan Lucas, for her support over these past few months during such a pivotal time. Words can't fully express how much I appreciate our entire Mississippi State ecosystem pulling in the same direction and we all know that starts with Dr. Keenum.

Speaking of teamwork, I won't spoil the exciting announcement we have coming next week about our record-breaking fundraising year, but I can tell you our Bulldog Club is already charging ahead with next year's ambitious goals. Rachel and I wanted to pause and celebrate the team's accomplishments, so we're hosting them at our house tonight. Bo Hemphill and Josh McCowan offered to take over the grill for the evening… but letting someone else run my grill? I'm not so sure about that!

We also have a full house this weekend! My sister Shannon is in town with her kids. My niece Olivia is attending volleyball camp here at State. And let me tell you, she's got talent. I've been told by our compliance staff that I must keep my "Mississippi State recruiting hat" off and stay in "Uncle Zac" mode… but no one said I couldn't require her to exclusively wear Mississippi State or maroon gear while in my house! 😊 (Just teasing you, Steve Smith!) Meatball and Shayne are already doing their part in recruiting. They've been proudly telling their cousins that Starkville is the place to be.

I shared this earlier this week on X, but I want to take a moment here to reflect on two of my most influential mentors in college athletics: Joe Castiglione and Bubba Cunningham. These two giants have helped shape the college sports world into what it is today. Their recent announcements about the next chapters in their careers prompted me to reflect on how truly blessed I've been to learn from them. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have one mentor of their caliber – let alone two. I carry their lessons with me every day here at Mississippi State and will always be grateful for the example they've set. I tip my cap to two of the best.

A quick reminder, SEC Football Media Days are next week. Coach Lebby, Blake Shapen, Isaac Smith and Brenen Thompson will take the stage on Wednesday. Be sure to tune in to SEC Network.

Lastly, and on a more somber note – I haven't been able to stop thinking about the recent flooding in Texas. It's heartbreaking. Rachel and I held our girls a little closer this week, and I've carried a pit in my stomach thinking of the families affected. Please join me in keeping these communities in your thoughts and prayers.

Wishing you all a safe and restful weekend.

Hail State!

Zac
Zac Selmon Signature Left

Mississippi State University Athletics

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