Maroon Friday Update: March 27
March 27, 2026 | Athletics
Happy Maroon Friday!
It's a great day to be a Mississippi State Bulldog!
Over the past week, I have loved seeing the way our community shows up – for each other, for our student-athletes and for this university. From last weekend's crawfish boil with former football players alongside current student-athletes and their families, to spending time with our Giles Distinguished Professors on campus, to seeing Bulldog fans pack out Dudy Noble for the sweep against Vanderbilt, there is so much pride surrounding our programs. Those moments matter. They remind us that Mississippi State is bigger than any one game, season or team – it's a family and it's a community that continues to invest in one another. Not only is the excitement felt here in Starkville, but our social media accounts also led the way across the country last week. Here are some of the results:
The way Coach Oak and the young men took care of business, alongside our department staff working to provide our fans engaging content and in-venue experiences, to each of you, our fans, showing up and creating an environment unlike any other – it all made the weekend a huge success. Talk about featuring the very best of MSU – and the numbers showcase just that. Speaking of numbers, what I shared above was just focused on social media and nationwide reach. As I am sure you heard, we now own all Top 25 attendance records for the NCAA. There are a lot of people from the past and present who helped make moments like these and I want to give a shoutout to everyone who has contributed to this awesome achievement through the years. We aren't done yet…
As we look to this weekend, baseball is on the road facing the school up north. Our No. 12 ranked softball team competes against No. 23 South Carolina right here in Starkville at Nusz Park starting Saturday. I've said it many times, I continue to be impressed with this program and this team. Come check them out. You have three chances over the next couple of days to do so! Get your tickets here.
As we close in on nearly a third of the way through 2026 spring practice for our football program – they continue to develop, and it's been encouraging to see the work, focus and competitiveness our team has brought this time of year. There is a lot of growth happening right now, especially with new faces continuing to settle into the program and learning what it means to wear Maroon and White. I know our fans are eager to get a look at the team, and I'm looking forward to seeing the continued progress. We announced this week that we will host a scrimmage that is available for all to see at Davis Wade Stadium on April 11 – check out more information by clicking here.
Earlier I mentioned the crawfish boil hosted by our football program last weekend that connected former players and current student-athletes and their families. It is great to have Bulldogs connected to this program long after their days in Maroon and White are over. I'd like to give a special thanks to Bulldog letterwinner Shaq Calhoun (2014-18), for having his catering company provide the outstanding grub for the event on Saturday!
This morning, we hosted Pro Day on campus. We had 29 players participate in front of NFL personnel. Wishing these guys all the best as they pursue their dreams! We will be cheering them on wherever they go. Check out @HailStateFB on X to see updates from today's Pro Day.
I also want to give a big S.T.A.T.E. Shoutout to our tennis programs. Our women's tennis team has put together some strong performances, and I want to specifically recognize Coach Chris Hooshyar and his program for the momentum they are building. Our No. 6 men's tennis team continues to compete at a high level, and we're proud of the way both programs represent Mississippi State. Coach Matt Roberts is in his 12th season as head coach for MSU and continues to showcase the consistency and elite mindset he has built with his program. Catch our men's tennis team in action this evening at 5 p.m. versus the school up north at the A.J. Pitts Centre and then again on Sunday at noon as they face Kentucky. See you there!
Track and field will also be in action this weekend in Starkville, and it's Track and Field Alumni Weekend. It is great to see so many Bulldogs back in town for the weekend to celebrate their program. Those connections across eras matter, and they are part of what makes our programs stronger.
This week, we had the opportunity to visit the Mississippi State Capitol alongside Josh Hubbard – it was a great time and a good reminder of the pride our student-athletes carry as representatives of this university and this state. Josh did a tremendous job, and I'm always proud to see our young people represent Mississippi State with class and confidence in every setting. Also, a huge thank you to Senator Josh Harkins for showing us around and helping make the day special!
As always, thank you for the energy, the support and the belief you continue to pour into Mississippi State Athletics. Whether you're showing up in the stands, supporting our student-athletes or wearing Maroon and White with pride – you are a huge part of what keeps advancing us forward.
We know we have the "Best Small Town in the South," so please ensure you vote today to maintain our title. Click this link to cast your vote for Mississippi's College Town.
I hope you and your family have a great weekend, and I hope to see you around Starkville supporting the Bulldogs!
Hail State!
Zac
It's a great day to be a Mississippi State Bulldog!
Over the past week, I have loved seeing the way our community shows up – for each other, for our student-athletes and for this university. From last weekend's crawfish boil with former football players alongside current student-athletes and their families, to spending time with our Giles Distinguished Professors on campus, to seeing Bulldog fans pack out Dudy Noble for the sweep against Vanderbilt, there is so much pride surrounding our programs. Those moments matter. They remind us that Mississippi State is bigger than any one game, season or team – it's a family and it's a community that continues to invest in one another. Not only is the excitement felt here in Starkville, but our social media accounts also led the way across the country last week. Here are some of the results:
- Organic posts – #1 nationally
- Views – #1 nationally
- Engagements - #1 nationally
- Social Value – #1 nationally
... and the top 25 belong to us. https://t.co/BB21qp1D6z pic.twitter.com/UYZZ5ECu1T
— Mississippi State Baseball (@HailStateBB) March 22, 2026
As we look to this weekend, baseball is on the road facing the school up north. Our No. 12 ranked softball team competes against No. 23 South Carolina right here in Starkville at Nusz Park starting Saturday. I've said it many times, I continue to be impressed with this program and this team. Come check them out. You have three chances over the next couple of days to do so! Get your tickets here.
Series starts Saturday this weekend! We'll see you out at Nusz Park for ✌️ games under the lights this time!
— Mississippi State Softball (@HailStateSB) March 27, 2026
📰 https://t.co/8Inwc6lKjy
📝 https://t.co/S8mSj8J6Xl
🎟️ https://t.co/rQsjro4qpB#HailState pic.twitter.com/tK92vPA7px
As we close in on nearly a third of the way through 2026 spring practice for our football program – they continue to develop, and it's been encouraging to see the work, focus and competitiveness our team has brought this time of year. There is a lot of growth happening right now, especially with new faces continuing to settle into the program and learning what it means to wear Maroon and White. I know our fans are eager to get a look at the team, and I'm looking forward to seeing the continued progress. We announced this week that we will host a scrimmage that is available for all to see at Davis Wade Stadium on April 11 – check out more information by clicking here.
Earlier I mentioned the crawfish boil hosted by our football program last weekend that connected former players and current student-athletes and their families. It is great to have Bulldogs connected to this program long after their days in Maroon and White are over. I'd like to give a special thanks to Bulldog letterwinner Shaq Calhoun (2014-18), for having his catering company provide the outstanding grub for the event on Saturday!
Great People. Great Food. Great Times.
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) March 22, 2026
Nothing better than a Saturday in StarkVegas with former Dawg @SHQ205 and SoFi BBQ! pic.twitter.com/4IZUnvwerb
This morning, we hosted Pro Day on campus. We had 29 players participate in front of NFL personnel. Wishing these guys all the best as they pursue their dreams! We will be cheering them on wherever they go. Check out @HailStateFB on X to see updates from today's Pro Day.
I also want to give a big S.T.A.T.E. Shoutout to our tennis programs. Our women's tennis team has put together some strong performances, and I want to specifically recognize Coach Chris Hooshyar and his program for the momentum they are building. Our No. 6 men's tennis team continues to compete at a high level, and we're proud of the way both programs represent Mississippi State. Coach Matt Roberts is in his 12th season as head coach for MSU and continues to showcase the consistency and elite mindset he has built with his program. Catch our men's tennis team in action this evening at 5 p.m. versus the school up north at the A.J. Pitts Centre and then again on Sunday at noon as they face Kentucky. See you there!
Track and field will also be in action this weekend in Starkville, and it's Track and Field Alumni Weekend. It is great to see so many Bulldogs back in town for the weekend to celebrate their program. Those connections across eras matter, and they are part of what makes our programs stronger.
This week, we had the opportunity to visit the Mississippi State Capitol alongside Josh Hubbard – it was a great time and a good reminder of the pride our student-athletes carry as representatives of this university and this state. Josh did a tremendous job, and I'm always proud to see our young people represent Mississippi State with class and confidence in every setting. Also, a huge thank you to Senator Josh Harkins for showing us around and helping make the day special!
We know we have the "Best Small Town in the South," so please ensure you vote today to maintain our title. Click this link to cast your vote for Mississippi's College Town.
Back-to-back @USATODAY Best Small Town in the South and looking for the three-peat!
— Mississippi State Athletics (@HailState) March 24, 2026
Vote for @mscollegetown now through March 30!
🗳️ » https://t.co/2JK9xvENFx#HailState pic.twitter.com/ehYPUX6WO1
I hope you and your family have a great weekend, and I hope to see you around Starkville supporting the Bulldogs!
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