In a detailed financial breakdown of its upcoming schedule, Mississippi State football has revealed its monetary commitments for nonconference games in 2026, amounting to a total of $1.65 million. This information comes from contracts obtained by the Clarion Ledger, highlighting the financial landscape of college football amidst changing conference structures.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has implemented a ninth conference game starting this season, which has resulted in each team now playing only three nonconference games. For Mississippi State, the nonconference slate includes a season opener against Louisiana-Monroe on September 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Davis Wade Stadium, followed by a road game at Minnesota on September 12, and a home matchup against Tennessee Tech on November 21.
As part of its financial obligations, Mississippi State will pay Louisiana-Monroe $1.45 million for the game in Starkville. This payment represents the highest nonconference fee for the Bulldogs in that season. The contract was finalized in 2021 under former athletic director John Cohen and pertains to a single game. Notably, this will be the first meeting between the two teams since 1997, when Mississippi State secured a 24-10 victory at home.
In addition to ULM, Mississippi State will also owe Tennessee Tech $550,000 for their game, which is also a one-off contest. This matchup will mark the inaugural meeting between the Bulldogs and Tennessee Tech, adding a layer of excitement to the schedule.
On the other hand, Mississippi State will receive $350,000 from Minnesota as part of a home-and-home series agreement. The contract, signed in 2016 by former athletic director Scott Stricklin, stipulates that the home team pays the visiting team this amount after each game. While Mississippi State will collect this sum in 2026, it is important to note that they will need to return the favor when they visit Minnesota in 2027.
This arrangement mirrors a previous home-and-home series Mississippi State had with Arizona State, which concluded last season. The SEC mandates that teams include at least one nonconference game against a power conference opponent, making the Minnesota matchup particularly significant. The 2026 game will also be notable as it will be the first time an SEC team has played in Minnesota since 1959, adding historical context to the upcoming contest.
As Mississippi State prepares for these nonconference challenges, the financial implications of their scheduling decisions underscore the evolving nature of college football, where revenue generation and competitive matchups are increasingly intertwined. With the addition of a ninth conference game, the Bulldogs' strategic approach to their nonconference games will be crucial in maintaining a balanced and competitive schedule.
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