The Bulldogs found improvement in 2021 with their first winning season since 2018. It was a 3-win improvement for head coach Mike Leach over the 4 wins posted in 2020, Leach’s initial year at Mississippi State.

However, the game of musical chairs that is the transfer portal has somewhat rearranged the deck of the Pirate’s ship, and coupled with what is being considered the toughest schedule in the country leaves the future of the program in question.

Who will step forward this season to be top dog in 2022? We take a look at 5 candidates for that honor.

1. Will Rogers

This discussion very well could be over before it gets started. Quarterback Will Rogers is a no-brainer when it comes to the leadership of the Bulldogs’ squad. In 2021, the sophomore set single-season school records with 4,739 passing yards and 36 touchdowns. He led the SEC with an average of 364.5 passing yards per game.

He’ll have to find a new go-to receiver, with Makai Polk entering the NFL Draft and Malik Heath hitting the transfer portal to rival Ole Miss, but Rogers is, was, and will be the face of the Bulldogs as long as he remains their quarterback.

2. Jo’quavious Marks

All eyes would probably be on the versatile running back if not for the gaudy numbers that Rogers put up last season. But another year like his first 2 seasons in Starkville and Marks just might come out from the shadows of his QB and into the spotlight himself.

Not only did Marks lead the team in rushing attempts (106) last season but was also 2nd on the squad in pass receptions with 83. Only Polk (105) had more. Totaling his rushing and receiving yards, Marks collected 918 yards from scrimmage and tied Polk for the team lead with 9 TDs.

3. Dillon Johnson

While Marks put up big numbers at running back, Johnson too played a key role in the Bulldogs’ success in 2021. As Marks’ running mate in the backfield, Johnson led the team rushing yards (485) and average yards per carry (5.45). In addition, Johnson finished 3rd on the team in receptions behind Polk and Marks with 65 catches for 422 yards and a touchdown.

He, like Marks, could very well emerge as the team’s star player this season, especially if he continues to trend upwards from his freshman season as he did last year as a sophomore.

4. Jaden Walley

Thought to be one of the top receivers in the SEC entering the 2021 season, after a record-breaking freshman year, Walley’s development was perhaps hampered by a sprained MCL in the 2021 spring game.

The talented wide receiver set the school’s freshman receiving record in the 2020 campaign with 718 yards. He blossomed in the second half of that season with 4 consecutive 100-yard games. But he had none last year, though he did haul in 55 passes for 628 yards.

Look for his role to increase significantly in 2022 and potentially become Rogers’ go-to receiver, which would put Walley in the conversation as top receiver in the SEC.

5. Massimo Biscardi

A new face on the Bulldogs’ roster, this kicker has the leg to become a superstar in Starkville. A transfer from Coastal Carolina where he spent the past 4 years, Biscardi has a COVID year of eligibility with the Bulldogs.

He figures to ease the woes in the kicking game that hamstrung the 2021 season, which included 3 losses by 3 points or fewer. He could become a legitimate cult figure in Starkville if his accuracy translates to Mississippi State.

At Coastal Carolina, Biscardi made 46-of-57 field goal attempts and scored a total of 299 points.