Many people ask does Mississippi have a football team when they think about professional and college gridiron in the state. Mississippi does have active football teams at the collegiate level, and the passion for the sport runs deep across the state.
Below you will find a clear breakdown of teams, venues, history, and what fans can expect from Mississippi football today.
| Team | Level | Conference | Primary Home Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ole Miss Rebels | NCAA Division I FBS | SEC Western Division | Vaught–Hemingway Stadium, Oxford |
| Mississippi State Bulldogs | NCAA Division I FBS | SEC Western Division | Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville |
| Southern Miss Golden Eagles | NCAA Division I FBS | Sun Belt Conference | M. M. Roberts Stadium, Hattiesburg |
| Jackson State Tigers | NCAA Division I FCS | Southwestern Athletic Conference | Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson |
Ole Miss Rebels Football Today
The Ole Miss Rebels compete at the highest level of college football in the NCAA Division I FBS. They play their home games in Oxford at Vaught–Hemingway Stadium, where the atmosphere on game day is intense and loyal.
Under the SEC umbrella, Ole Miss schedules tough annual opponents and remains a consistent presence in national conversations about playoff contention and recruiting battles. The team is a major driver of college football interest in Mississippi.
Recent years have brought notable players and competitive seasons, keeping fans engaged and drawing attention from media across the country. For followers of the sport in the state, Ole Miss remains a flagship program with deep tradition and rising momentum.
Mississippi State Bulldogs Football
Mississippi State Bulldogs football offers a contrasting style and culture, built on discipline, strong defense, and steady leadership. The Bulldogs play their home games at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, a venue known for its loud and proud student section.
As another SEC team, Mississippi State faces a demanding schedule each year and has produced several NFL talents who carry the name of the university with pride. The program balances competitive play with a focus on academics and community engagement.
Game days in Starkville create a unique energy, where local support amplifies the effort of players on the field and reinforces the long-standing football tradition in Mississippi State’s region.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles Football
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles represent one of the longest continuously running football programs in the state, with a history that reaches back many decades. They compete in the NCAA Division I FBS and now call the Sun Belt Conference their home.
Based in Hattiesburg, M. M. Roberts Stadium serves as a rallying point for fans who follow Golden Eagles football through every season. The team often develops players who transfer or move on to professional opportunities.
Southern Miss football remains important to the identity of southern Mississippi, providing local heroes and memorable moments that resonate well beyond the final score.
Jackson State Tigers Football
Jackson State Tigers football competes in the NCAA Division I FCS under the Southwestern Athletic Conference banner. The team plays many of its home games at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, sharing the facility with other major events.
The program has a proud tradition of developing talent and showcasing high-level competition within the FCS ranks, earning respect from rival institutions across the nation. For many fans in the capital city, Jackson State football is a source of pride and community unity.
Through consistent recruiting and dedicated coaching, the Tigers continue to build a legacy that highlights the depth of football talent found in Mississippi.
Mississippi Football Key Takeaways
- Mississippi supports multiple college football teams at the highest levels of NCAA competition.
- Ole Miss and Mississippi State are prominent SEC programs with national visibility.
- Southern Miss and Jackson State add depth and tradition to the state football landscape.
- Fans enjoy intense rivalries, strong stadium atmospheres, and pathways for player development.
- While Mississippi lacks an NFL team, college football fills the sports passion for residents and visitors alike.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does Mississippi have a professional football team in the NFL?
Mississippi does not currently have an NFL team. The closest professional franchises are located in nearby states, and fans often follow teams such as the New Orleans Saints or the Tennessee Titans.
Which Mississippi college football team plays in the FBS and which plays in the FCS?
Ole Miss and Mississippi State compete in the FBS, while Southern Miss also fields an FBS team. Jackson State competes in the FCS as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Where do the major college games happen in Mississippi?
Key venues include Vaught–Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, M. M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, and Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson.
Are there any plans to bring a professional football team to Mississippi?
There have been periodic discussions about attracting a professional team or expansion, but no official commitments or timelines have been announced as of now.