Mississippi State football is set to have a player selected in the 2026 NFL Draft after a year without picks. Wide receiver Brenen Thompson, who set a program record with 1,054 receiving yards, is projected to be drafted.
Key points
Mississippi State football expects a player to be drafted in 2026
Brenen Thompson is projected to be selected
Thompson set a record with 1,054 receiving yards in 2025
Wide receiver Brenen Thompson is widely projected to get selected in the draft, which runs from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
Thompson broke the Bulldogs' program record with 1,054 receiving yards in 2025 after transferring from Oklahoma. He'd be Mississippi State's first wide receiver drafted since Eric Moulds in 1996.
There is no certainty that MSU will have a second player drafted.
Here's what you need to know about Mississippi State players at the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) reacts after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 02: Brenen Thompson #0 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs avoids a tackle by Devin Cook #15 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half of the 2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium on January 02, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
Jan 2, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) makes a opening play catch defended by Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back Karon Prunty (3) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Nov 28, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs against Mississippi Rebels defensive back Kapena Gushiken (14) in the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) carries the ball as Ole Miss safety Kapena Gushiken (14) tackles him during a college football game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 38-19 in the Egg Bowl.
Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) looks to the sky before a college football game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 38-19 in the Egg Bowl.
Nov 28, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs against Mississippi Rebels defensive back Kapena Gushiken (14) in the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Nov 28, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs against Mississippi Rebels defensive back Chris Graves Jr. (32) in the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Nov 28, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs against Mississippi Rebels defensive back Chris Graves Jr. (32) in the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) catches the ball against Georgia Bulldogs tight end Lawson Luckie (7) during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - NOVEMBER 01: Brenen Thompson #0 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs runs the ball in the second half during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Bulldogs defeated the Razorbacks 38-35. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) catches the ball for a touchdown over Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Muhammad (5) during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) catches the ball for a touchdown over Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Muhammad (5) during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) catches the ball for a touchdown over Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Muhammad (5) during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) reacts after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - SEPTEMBER 06: Brenen Thompson #0 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - SEPTEMBER 06: Brenen Thompson #0 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs scores a touchdown during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) reacts after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs the ball against Southern Miss Golden Eagles cornerback Josh Moten (1) during the second quarter at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Miss., on Aug. 30, 2025.
July 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson speaks to reporters during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
July 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi State player Brenen Thompson enters the College Football Hall of Fame during SEC Media Days in Atlanta.
July 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson speaks to reporters during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) reacts after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) reacts after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 02: Brenen Thompson #0 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs avoids a tackle by Devin Cook #15 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half of the 2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium on January 02, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Jan 2, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) makes a opening play catch defended by Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back Karon Prunty (3) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Nov 28, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs against Mississippi Rebels defensive back Kapena Gushiken (14) in the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) carries the ball as Ole Miss safety Kapena Gushiken (14) tackles him during a college football game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 38-19 in the Egg Bowl.
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) looks to the sky before a college football game between Mississippi State and Ole Miss at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 38-19 in the Egg Bowl.
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Nov 28, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs against Mississippi Rebels defensive back Kapena Gushiken (14) in the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Nov 28, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs against Mississippi Rebels defensive back Chris Graves Jr. (32) in the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Nov 28, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs against Mississippi Rebels defensive back Chris Graves Jr. (32) in the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) catches the ball against Georgia Bulldogs tight end Lawson Luckie (7) during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - NOVEMBER 01: Brenen Thompson #0 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs runs the ball in the second half during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Bulldogs defeated the Razorbacks 38-35. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) catches the ball for a touchdown over Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Muhammad (5) during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) catches the ball for a touchdown over Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Muhammad (5) during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) catches the ball for a touchdown over Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Muhammad (5) during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) reacts after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - SEPTEMBER 06: Brenen Thompson #0 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - SEPTEMBER 06: Brenen Thompson #0 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs scores a touchdown during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) reacts after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs the ball against Southern Miss Golden Eagles cornerback Josh Moten (1) during the second quarter at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Miss., on Aug. 30, 2025.
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
July 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson speaks to reporters during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
July 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi State player Brenen Thompson enters the College Football Hall of Fame during SEC Media Days in Atlanta.
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Brenen Thompson, NFL Draft 2026 receiver prospect at combine from Mississippi State
July 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson speaks to reporters during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
How many Mississippi State players have been picked at NFL draft?
So far, no Mississippi State players have been picked in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mississippi State football NFL draft prospects
Thompson is Mississippi State's main NFL draft prospect. He is projected as a mid-round pick. Thompson ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Tight end Seydou Traore is graded by The Athletic as a seventh-round prospect or priority undrafted free agent, but was not picked in the outlet's mock draft.
You can read more about Thompson's draft projection here.
