Paul Finebaum’s Stark Assessment: Is Mississippi State the SEC’s Weakest Link?
Paul Finebaum, the undisputed voice of SEC football, has once again stirred the pot with a recent assessment that has sent shockwaves through Starkville. In a candid declaration on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” Finebaum pinpointed Mississippi State as one of the two “worst programs in the SEC,” a label that has undoubtedly fueled the Bulldogs’ offseason motivation.
Coming off a disappointing 2-10 season under first-year head coach Jeff Lebby, it’s difficult to completely dismiss Finebaum’s analysis. The 2024 campaign marked the Bulldogs’ second consecutive losing season, with their only FBS victory coming against Massachusetts. Such struggles naturally raise questions about the program’s direction and its ability to compete in a rapidly evolving SEC.
Finebaum’s critique wasn’t solely directed at the coaching staff, however. While he acknowledged Lebby as a “very good coach,” he openly questioned “if the apparatus around him is sustainable.” This points to broader concerns about Mississippi State’s overall commitment to building a winning football program, perhaps hinting at factors like Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funding, where Mississippi State notably did not appear on a list of the top 25 collectives in the SEC.
Despite the gloomy outlook painted by Finebaum, there are glimmers of hope for the Bulldogs. Lebby and his staff have been active in both recruiting and the transfer portal, securing the 16th-ranked transfer portal class and the 28th-ranked recruiting class for 2025, according to 247Sports. This influx of talent suggests a commitment to rebuilding and improving the roster.
The challenge for Mississippi State now is to silence the critics and prove Finebaum wrong. Their 2025 schedule, like all SEC schedules, is a gauntlet, featuring formidable opponents. However, with a renewed focus on player development, strategic portal additions, and a determined coaching staff, the Bulldogs have the opportunity to defy expectations and claw their way back into contention. The upcoming season will be a true test of their resilience and a chance to show the SEC, and Paul Finebaum, that they are anything but the conference’s weakest link.
