Evans Standing Out Early For State
September 11, 2025 | Football
Receiver has quickly established himself as a playmaker for the Bulldogs.
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State made waves across the college football world this past Saturday with their dramatic win over No. 12 Arizona State at Davis Wade Stadium.
The Bulldogs' air attack was key in the victory with 279 passing yards and three touchdowns. The tone was set early on when quarterback Blake Shapen hit receiver Anthony Evans III on a 48-yard strike for the game's first score just over a minute into the contest.
Evans finished the contest with a team-leading nine receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown.
The transfer from Georgia brought in 13 total receptions during his two-year stretch with the Bulldogs from Athens. Now, he's already tacked on 13 catches for 144 yards with Mississippi State through just two games in 2025, and he's made himself known as one of State's main wideout threats.
Evans spoke is loving his decision to transfer to Mississippi State and being given the opportunity to shine.
"I knew I made the right choice as soon as I came here with [head coach Jeff Lebby]," Evans said. "He's a guru in the offense, so [Brenen Thompson and I] came here to both go for 1,000 yards. That's what the goal is, and I believe we're going to get there. Great start, too."
Evans will surely play a significant role in State's offense moving forward, and future opponents will have a lot on their plate when game planning to stop the speedster from Converse, Texas.
"He's gonna be a huge part of it every week," Lebby said of Evans. "He did some great things [against Arizona State]. The strain and stress for Ant is to continue to play better and play cleaner. He had a really good punt return, but he had a chance to make a couple of other big plays. He had the false start. So constantly trying to create urgency with him to go strain and play better.
"This guy has a chance to be a great player for us. I felt really good about it when we got him. He's gotten better and better. He's gotten more comfortable inside the scheme. Has to continue to get better and has a chance to have a good year."
Evans' first home game at State was certainly one for him to remember, and not only because of the result.
"It was crazy," said Evans. "I've played in some big-time games, and to be honest that stadium was probably the greatest stadium I've ever been in. The fans were on point. I couldn't even hear myself think, and I'm at home. It was just great, and I hope to have that experience a lot more coming here in the future with the games that we have at home. Hail State."
Evans and the Bulldogs continue their season on Saturday when they host Alcorn State. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CT on ESPN+ and SEC Network+.
