With Dak Prescott completing his eligibility and most likely moving on to the NFL, many Mississippi State fans must be wondering, “What exactly is our team going to look like next year?”

There have also been recent speculation about Dan Mullen leaving for another coaching job. But seeing as how that has not happened yet, it would appear unlikely that Mullen will be coaching anywhere but in Starkville next season.

So with Mullen still at the helm, what will the Bulldogs roster look like in 2016 and what are realistic expectations for Mississippi State?

Quarterback

Prescott had two redshirt freshmen backing him up this year. Nick Fitzgerald and Elijah Staley were both members of Mullen’s 2013 recruiting class and figure to compete for the starting job next season. Nick Tiano, a 2015 commit, will also be in the mix.

Now, things can always happen such junior-college transfers could arrive, but Mississippi State hasn’t recruited a quarterback for 2016 yet and most of the best prospects are gone. So it appears quarterback will be a pretty open competition in Starkville next year with Fitzgerald, the backup this season, probably having the best chance of winning the job.

Running Back

Mississippi State’s rushing attack left a lot to be desired this season, but the same backs will be relied upon much more heavily next season without the threat of Prescott’s arm around. By the end of the season this year, junior scatback Brandon Holloway was leading the Bulldogs backfield in touches. But next season look for young players Aeris Williams and Dontavian Lee to get more involved. Junior Ashton Shumpert was second among the Mississippi State running backs in carries and will also bring his experience to the table next year. Four-star 2015 running back commit Nick Gibson could also see some time in 2016.

Wide Receiver

The Bulldogs most physically imposing wideout, 6-foot-5 De’Runnya Wilson, will most likely be heading to the NFL after this season but that still leaves an experienced group of pass-catchers in Starkville. Junior Fred Ross certainly did plenty to raise his draft stock as well this season by hauling in 81 receptions for 933 yards and 4 touchdowns. He may or may not be back next season. But if he is, it would be a big boost for the Bulldogs receiving corps. Fred Brown and Donald Gray both showed their ability to make plays in the passing game this year. About four or five wide receivers in Mississippi State’s 2015 and 2016 recruiting classes could see significant playing time next season.

Tight End

Tight end has not been utilized by the Bulldogs in the passing game much in the past. But with Gus Walley returning, production could increase. Mississippi State also has three three-star tight ends committed to its 2016 recruiting class, so help seems to be on the way.

Offensive Line

Besides losing Prescott, this could be the area where Mississippi State takes the biggest hit from this year to next. The Bulldogs will be losing the entire left side of their offensive line with seniors Rufus Warren and Justin Malone completing their eligibility. However, the other three starters on the Mississippi State offensive line this season were juniors. Four-star commit Martinas Rankin could contend for a starting spot.

Defensive Line

Chris Jones  may enter the NFL Draft, and he would be a big loss. Mississippi State will already be losing arguably its most consistent pass rusher, Ryan Brown. But the other starters and backups were juniors. Mullen has impressive recruits coming in as well, including 2015 four-star Fletcher Adams and 2016 four-star Marquiss Spencer.

Linebacker

Leaders in the middle of the Mississippi State defense this year,  juniors Richie Brown and Beniquez Brown back could enter their names into the draft. The two combined for nearly 200 tackles and 21 tackles for loss. Without one or either of these guys, the Bulldogs could be hurting at linebacker next season. Fellow starter Zach Jackson will also be gone, so there’s a chance that there could be three new starters. Sophomore J.T. Gray showed an ability to make plays this season and should be in the mix with former four-star recruit Leo Lewis and redshirt freshman Gerri Green.

Defensive Backs

Besides senior Taveze Calhoun, the entire Bulldogs secondary should be back next season. Redshirt freshman Brandon Bryant stepped as a starter this season after Will Redmond went down and the experience he gained this year should pay dividends. Tolando Cleveland also has proven to be a reliable cornerback, especially with Kivon Coleman helping him over the top. Jamal Peters, a former four-star recruit, could have a huge impact next year.

Special Teams

Sophomore kicker Westin Graves made 14 of his 17 field-goal attempts this season. If Ross stays, he would likely be the punt returner with Holloway manning kickoff returns.

2016 Outlook

Despite losing Prescott, there is plenty of talent on the Bulldogs roster. And with a few teams on their 2016 schedule going through some transition as well, there’s no reason to believe that the Bulldogs shouldn’t still have some success next year. A lot can change between now and next season, but Mississippi State is shaping up to be a 7-or-8-win team in 2016.