I think Mississippi State fans generally fall into five groups. I know multiple people in every one of them.
Group 1: The Dreamers
"We should be competing for national championships. Just go get every five-star. Why wouldn't they want to come to Starkville?"
They believe State should be able to compete with anyone if we just spend enough. They faithfully buy season tickets and merchandise, but usually aren't major NIL contributors. They can't understand why we're still falling behind.
Group 2: The Traditionalists
"This new offense isn't real football. Build the lines, run the ball, play defense. King Jackie forever."
They believe the blueprint for success is the one that worked decades ago. Many have the ability to give, but they're not interested in funding the current direction of college football or Jeff Lebby's vision.
Group 3: The Realists (or Pessimists, depending on who you ask)
"We'll never consistently compete. We should just be thankful we're in the SEC."
Their expectations are low, and disappointment has become the default. Most don't donate much and rarely buy season tickets, though they still cheer for State every Saturday.
Group 4: Baseball First
"Football and basketball are uphill battles, but baseball is where we can be elite."
This group has resources and isn't afraid to spend them—especially when it comes to baseball. They'll gladly invest in Dudy Noble, but don't expect them to write a check for a linebacker.
Group 5: The Nostalgic Fans
"I still love Mississippi State and college sports, but I can't get behind paying players."
These are longtime supporters who built the program through donations and season tickets. NIL, the transfer portal, and the professionalization of college athletics have pushed many of them to slowly step away.
The interesting thing is that none of these groups are "bad" fans. They all love Mississippi State—they just have very different ideas about what the program should be and how we should get there. I'm finding myself in Group 5 more and more every year. I just can't get behind college athletes making millions.
Group 1: The Dreamers
"We should be competing for national championships. Just go get every five-star. Why wouldn't they want to come to Starkville?"
They believe State should be able to compete with anyone if we just spend enough. They faithfully buy season tickets and merchandise, but usually aren't major NIL contributors. They can't understand why we're still falling behind.
Group 2: The Traditionalists
"This new offense isn't real football. Build the lines, run the ball, play defense. King Jackie forever."
They believe the blueprint for success is the one that worked decades ago. Many have the ability to give, but they're not interested in funding the current direction of college football or Jeff Lebby's vision.
Group 3: The Realists (or Pessimists, depending on who you ask)
"We'll never consistently compete. We should just be thankful we're in the SEC."
Their expectations are low, and disappointment has become the default. Most don't donate much and rarely buy season tickets, though they still cheer for State every Saturday.
Group 4: Baseball First
"Football and basketball are uphill battles, but baseball is where we can be elite."
This group has resources and isn't afraid to spend them—especially when it comes to baseball. They'll gladly invest in Dudy Noble, but don't expect them to write a check for a linebacker.
Group 5: The Nostalgic Fans
"I still love Mississippi State and college sports, but I can't get behind paying players."
These are longtime supporters who built the program through donations and season tickets. NIL, the transfer portal, and the professionalization of college athletics have pushed many of them to slowly step away.
The interesting thing is that none of these groups are "bad" fans. They all love Mississippi State—they just have very different ideas about what the program should be and how we should get there. I'm finding myself in Group 5 more and more every year. I just can't get behind college athletes making millions.