Cowbell Corner

Blake Shapen's 2025 Role at Mississippi State: A Key to Future Success

Blake Shapen's injury is a gut punch for Mississippi State, but if he returns next year, that would be a huge win for the Bulldogs.

Jacob Bain

Sep 21, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen (2) drops back to pass against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen (2) drops back to pass against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images / Matt Bush-Imagn Images
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Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen sustained an injury last Saturday that will sideline him for the rest of the season. Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby released a statement and confirmed that he will apply for a medical hardship redshirt.

If he is granted the redshirt, Shapen will return to Mississippi State next season, which is good news for the Bulldogs. Chris Parson and Michael Van Buren are both former 4-star recruits out of high school, so the talent is there. However, in all likelihood, Mississippi State would have returned to the portal this offseason to find a starting quarterback.

It is hard to send a quarterback out there with no experience into the SEC, which will need to happen eventually, but with Shapen returning, it gives each guy more time to develop. Shapen returning to Mississippi State also avoids a new quarterback having to learn the system; instead, it gives the Bulldogs a quarterback who already knows the offense.

The Baylor transfer also played well this season before the injury, throwing for 974 yards and eight touchdowns. So, not only will Shapen returning help the guys develop, but he has also proven to be an effective quarterback.

Losing a team's starting quarterback is never good, but finding a positive in a tough situation is necessary. If Shapen can return to Mississippi State next season, it will help the Bulldogs in 2025 and beyond.

Read More Mississippi State Bulldogs on SI:

Michael Van Buren Could Prove Himself for Mississippi State in 2024

Jeff Lebby Speaks on Florida Loss, Injuries, Quarterback Situation, and Texas Preview

How to Watch: Mississippi State at Texas

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Jacob Bain
JACOB BAIN

Jacob Bain first joined Cowbell Corner as an intern, and was promoted to lead day-to-day coverage in Starkville of Mississippi State sports in 2023. His primary beats include football, baseball and basketball. He's originally from Fulton, Miss.

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