Maroon Friday Update: Aug. 1
August 01, 2025 | Athletics
Happy Maroon Friday!
It's a great day to be a Mississippi State Bulldog!
The 2025-26 athletic year is officially here! Our football and soccer teams reported for camp this week, with volleyball set to report this weekend and cross country set to report in the coming weeks. There's an intensity in the air when you drive into our athletics district. Our young people are focused, intentional and gearing up for the weekly challenge.
Even though I'm decades removed from strapping on pads and a helmet, there's still a mental and physical shift that takes place for me around this time of year. It's more than a sport. It's part of the fabric of who you are. For those of you who played, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I tried to express that when I had the opportunity to speak to our football team Tuesday night: "Every detail matters. You don't get this time back. Make sure that when you look back on what you did this season, it's something you're proud of. No regrets. Nothing left to give."
The team was locked in. Exactly what you want to see. Coach Lebby and his staff have been setting the tone for the program, including reshaping our roster. We've brought in more than 60 new players for 2025, combining a top-15 transfer portal class with the nation's No. 23 ranked high school signing class. It's the strongest overall class we've landed in the modern era of recruiting and the transfer portal. And Coach Lebby and his staff are going to keep building on that. Like he shared in his message to the Bulldog Family yesterday morning ahead of Practice No. 1, there's belief in this community, there's hunger inside our walls and there's momentum being built every single day. On Saturdays in the fall, we need you in the house with us. Cowbells clanging. Energy surging. There's no question your presence gives us an edge.
We've also heard through focus groups, one-on-one conversations and surveys that you'd like to see more from us as it relates to our fan experience elements. Our team has been working throughout the off-season to enhance items you brought to us, including the installation of new LED lights. In the coming weeks, we will share other additions you can expect for this upcoming season.
In addition to sport competitions starting up, it's also back-to-school season for students across Mississippi. We're praying for a great year ahead for the students, teachers and administrators across our state. I recently saw a report that Mississippi achieved its highest-ever ranking in K-12 education this past year. That's a credit to the incredible work of so many.
You can feel the momentum in Mississippi. Thanks to those who support your local schools – whether as teachers, coaches or support staff. Most of us can think of a teacher, coach or administrator who inspired us. For me, I think of Ms. Dondi Thompson, my math teacher at Alcott Middle School. Her kindness, belief in her students and insistence on accountability still stick with me nearly 30 years later. It takes everyone pulling in the same direction to achieve wide-scale success. Thank you to each of you who play a role in shaping young lives across our state.
Seemingly each week, there's something new happening on the college athletics front. You may have seen that President Trump signed an executive order called Saving College Sports. We will continue to share updates as we learn more, but at this time we know:
We also had an incredible day of fishing. Of course, the Selmons had to represent Mossy Oak! My 14-year-old, Shayne, wants everyone to know that her only exception to her rule of not matching her family is when she is sporting her Mossy Oak gear!
Apparently, theme dressing with your family isn't cool among what I fondly call the "teeny-boppers." Nonetheless, we love our Mississippi-born Mossy Oak gear, and we are inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of our friend, MSU grad and founder of Mossy Oak, Toxey Haas.
We were also blessed with the gift of spending quality time with our good friend, Mississippi State alum and supporter Boyce Adams. It was good for the soul. For those who know Boyce, you know his resilience and zest for life are contagious. Boyce has become an extension of our family, and words can't express how grateful we are to have him in our lives. Some people make life better, more positive, more fun and full of good energy. That's Boyce. We're lucky to call him a friend and glad we got to share great time together.
While exploring Costa Rica as a family, we noticed the use of ¡Pura Vida! as a greeting and farewell. We learned it's more than a phrase. It's a way of life. Translated as "pure life," Costa Ricans cherish life's simplest pleasures and find joy in the little things. During our trip, there was joy, rejuvenation and wonderful memories made – a trip we will never forget. As much as we cherished our time, we are also glad to be back home in Starkville doing what we love each day.
We're back in the office, recharged and locked in. With the athletic year now in full swing, our focus is on showing up every day with energy, purpose and a relentless drive to take Mississippi State Athletics to new heights. There's a lot to look forward to, and we're hitting the ground running.
We are counting down the days until we see you all on campus this fall, and we can't wait to welcome you back.
¡Pura Vida! Hail State!
Zac
It's a great day to be a Mississippi State Bulldog!
The 2025-26 athletic year is officially here! Our football and soccer teams reported for camp this week, with volleyball set to report this weekend and cross country set to report in the coming weeks. There's an intensity in the air when you drive into our athletics district. Our young people are focused, intentional and gearing up for the weekly challenge.
Even though I'm decades removed from strapping on pads and a helmet, there's still a mental and physical shift that takes place for me around this time of year. It's more than a sport. It's part of the fabric of who you are. For those of you who played, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I tried to express that when I had the opportunity to speak to our football team Tuesday night: "Every detail matters. You don't get this time back. Make sure that when you look back on what you did this season, it's something you're proud of. No regrets. Nothing left to give."
The team was locked in. Exactly what you want to see. Coach Lebby and his staff have been setting the tone for the program, including reshaping our roster. We've brought in more than 60 new players for 2025, combining a top-15 transfer portal class with the nation's No. 23 ranked high school signing class. It's the strongest overall class we've landed in the modern era of recruiting and the transfer portal. And Coach Lebby and his staff are going to keep building on that. Like he shared in his message to the Bulldog Family yesterday morning ahead of Practice No. 1, there's belief in this community, there's hunger inside our walls and there's momentum being built every single day. On Saturdays in the fall, we need you in the house with us. Cowbells clanging. Energy surging. There's no question your presence gives us an edge.
In addition to sport competitions starting up, it's also back-to-school season for students across Mississippi. We're praying for a great year ahead for the students, teachers and administrators across our state. I recently saw a report that Mississippi achieved its highest-ever ranking in K-12 education this past year. That's a credit to the incredible work of so many.
You can feel the momentum in Mississippi. Thanks to those who support your local schools – whether as teachers, coaches or support staff. Most of us can think of a teacher, coach or administrator who inspired us. For me, I think of Ms. Dondi Thompson, my math teacher at Alcott Middle School. Her kindness, belief in her students and insistence on accountability still stick with me nearly 30 years later. It takes everyone pulling in the same direction to achieve wide-scale success. Thank you to each of you who play a role in shaping young lives across our state.
Seemingly each week, there's something new happening on the college athletics front. You may have seen that President Trump signed an executive order called Saving College Sports. We will continue to share updates as we learn more, but at this time we know:
- This does not walk back any revenue-sharing obligations and commitments from Mississippi State Athletics (or any participating institution). We are still responsible for the approximately $20.5 million this year to be distributed directly to our student-athletes.
- Legitimate third-party NIL deals remain intact, and we continue to need businesses to engage our student-athletes in these opportunities.
- My July 13 email shared more information on the new era of college sports and our direction. If you missed that note or want to reference it, you can click here.
We also had an incredible day of fishing. Of course, the Selmons had to represent Mossy Oak! My 14-year-old, Shayne, wants everyone to know that her only exception to her rule of not matching her family is when she is sporting her Mossy Oak gear!
Apparently, theme dressing with your family isn't cool among what I fondly call the "teeny-boppers." Nonetheless, we love our Mississippi-born Mossy Oak gear, and we are inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of our friend, MSU grad and founder of Mossy Oak, Toxey Haas.
We were also blessed with the gift of spending quality time with our good friend, Mississippi State alum and supporter Boyce Adams. It was good for the soul. For those who know Boyce, you know his resilience and zest for life are contagious. Boyce has become an extension of our family, and words can't express how grateful we are to have him in our lives. Some people make life better, more positive, more fun and full of good energy. That's Boyce. We're lucky to call him a friend and glad we got to share great time together.
We're back in the office, recharged and locked in. With the athletic year now in full swing, our focus is on showing up every day with energy, purpose and a relentless drive to take Mississippi State Athletics to new heights. There's a lot to look forward to, and we're hitting the ground running.
We are counting down the days until we see you all on campus this fall, and we can't wait to welcome you back.
¡Pura Vida! Hail State!
Zac
2024-25 Mississippi State Athletics Recap
Thursday, August 21
STATE OF MIND: EP 4 | FT. ZAC SELMON
Thursday, January 09
STATE OF MIND: EP 1 | FT. JOSH HUBBARD
Monday, November 04
Zac Selmon Joins Charlie Winfield And Bart Gregory On Out Of Left Field
Thursday, October 03