State’s trip to Minnesota will be a huge, early test
- Mississippi State's Week 2 trip to Minnesota is a major swing game because it falls between the Louisiana-Monroe opener and the SEC road opener at South Carolina.
- Mississippi State will start first-year quarterback Kamario Taylor against Minnesota's second-year starter Drake Lindsey, who threw for 2,382 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions as a freshman.
- Minnesota returns 68 percent of its total production, including running back Darius Taylor and receivers Javon Tracy and Jalen Smith, giving the Gophers a substantial continuity advantage.
- Minnesota defensive lineman Anthony Smith returns after producing 17.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in 2025, making him the central protection challenge for Mississippi State.
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Anthony Smith on Big Ten Football Preseason Honors List
- Minnesota standout defensive lineman Anthony Smith was named to the 2026 Big Ten Football Preseason Honors list today.
- He logged 17.5 tackles for loss and led the Big Ten with 12.5 sacks last season before being named All-Big Ten First Team.
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