The second round of SEC availability reporting featured a couple of changes for Mississippi State as the Bulldogs prepare to host their counterparts from Georgia.
The Thursday evening update had a new name from Wednesday’s first release, with safety/linebacker Isaac Smith listed. The positive part is Smith is shown as Probable, which is generally a good sign two days out from a game. The negative is that Smith was not on the initial release at all.
So, either something happened during practices this midweek; or the right ankle Smith has been laboring on for over a month needs a little more resting. Whatever the status, there will be a further update coming out this time Friday evening as well and Smith will be focus of attention.
There is also a name off the list tonight. Safety Jahron Manning was indeed shown as Probable on Wednesday, and now has been upgraded to the point he is not on the list anywhere. So as of now Manning should be in the lineup come Saturday morning.
Manning has played his way to the top of the Mississippi State tackles list with 64 total stops so far.
However, there is another downgrade and it is not particularly surprising. After being listed as Doubtful in the first round of reporting, offensive tackle Albert Reese is now shown as Out. With that status he joins cornerback Jett Jefferson who was also Out last night; as well as a trio of Dogs who have been on the Outs for many weeks now. Those are offensive tackle Blake Steen, defensive end Will Whitson, and offensive interior lineman Brennan Smith.
Steen and Whitson are officially done for 2025 after early-season injuries that required surgery. There has been no reason given for Smith’s absence.
Reese continues to deal with what is believed to be a shoulder separation, Reese did not play at Arkansas, the third game he has missed this season and second SEC contest. Other than opening day when he opened at left tackle, Reese has gotten his other five starts at right tackle.
If Reese is unable to open this weekend’s game, line coach Phil Loadholt most likely would stay with Javin James moving from left to right tackle for another start; then put Jimothy Lewis at left tackle. James did not play in the first game but moved right into the starting lineup the second week and has been there, at one or the other tackle spot, ever since.
Georgia players listed as Out today are defensive lineman Jordan Hall, defensive back Kyron Jones, wideout Talyn Talor, tight end Ethan Barbour, and wideout Cobie Young. Also, defensive back Demello Jones is shown as Doubtful.
The SEC will update these availability reports again Thursday and Friday evenings at 7:10-ish. The final and binding report is due 90 minutes before game time. Kickoff is 11:00am on Scott Field.
