Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State trip number seven, number twenty-one A&M in Texas

As the 2025 college football season progresses, one of the most intriguing matchups in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is shaping up to be the clash between Mississippi State and Texas A&M. The game, scheduled for October 7, 2025, holds significance for both teams as they seek to position themselves for potential SEC supremacy and national contention. At the center of Mississippi State’s efforts to overcome the talented Aggies is Josh Hubbard, the Bulldogs’ rising star at quarterback.

Hubbard, now in his second year as the starting quarterback for Mississippi State, has already established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the SEC. His leadership, arm strength, and poise under pressure have made him a player to watch in 2025. As Mississippi State heads to College Station for their seventh meeting with Texas A&M, all eyes will be on Hubbard to see if he can carry the Bulldogs to a much-needed victory against the 21st-ranked Aggies, a team with championship aspirations.

This matchup, which is already drawing considerable attention, has several storylines to follow, from Hubbard’s development as a quarterback to the overall team dynamics at Mississippi State and Texas A&M’s quest for consistency. Let’s take a closer look at the significance of this game, the role of Josh Hubbard in Mississippi State’s future, and what it means for the SEC landscape.

Josh Hubbard: Mississippi State’s Future at Quarterback

Josh Hubbard’s journey to becoming Mississippi State’s starting quarterback is a testament to his development and determination. A four-star recruit out of North Carolina, Hubbard initially joined the Bulldogs as part of an exciting 2023 recruiting class. Over the course of his freshman season, Hubbard learned under former starter Will Rogers, who was one of the most consistent quarterbacks in Mississippi State history. Rogers’ mentorship played a key role in Hubbard’s transition from high school to college football.

By the end of his freshman season, Hubbard had earned the starting spot heading into 2024, and he hasn’t looked back since. With an impressive arm and the ability to read defenses, Hubbard quickly became the focal point of the Bulldogs’ offense. In 2024, he threw for over 3,200 yards and 28 touchdowns, and while Mississippi State experienced some growing pains, Hubbard’s potential became undeniable.

Heading into the 2025 season, Hubbard is looking to build on that foundation and lead Mississippi State to a higher level of success. His ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations, combined with his growing chemistry with the Bulldogs’ receiving corps, makes him a player capable of taking Mississippi State to the next level. The Aggies’ defense, which is one of the most physically imposing units in the SEC, will pose a significant challenge for Hubbard. However, he has shown that he can perform in big games, and this matchup against Texas A&M could be a defining moment in his career.

Mississippi State’s Offensive Identity

In 2025, Mississippi State’s offensive identity revolves around a balanced attack that maximizes the strengths of their quarterback, Josh Hubbard. While the Bulldogs are known for their strong air attack, head coach Zach Arnett has worked hard to implement a more dynamic system that utilizes both the passing and running games. The addition of Zach Evans as the starting running back in 2025 has helped solidify this balance. Evans, a transfer from TCU, brings explosiveness to the backfield and is a constant threat on the ground.

Hubbard’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs adds another dimension to the offense. The Bulldogs frequently utilize RPO (run-pass option) schemes to keep opposing defenses on their toes, and Hubbard’s mobility allows him to escape pressure and extend plays, making him a dual-threat quarterback.

Against Texas A&M’s defense, which is typically stout and aggressive, Mississippi State will need to maintain this balance. The Aggies’ defensive line, led by a group of talented pass rushers, will be a challenge for Hubbard and his offensive line. If Hubbard can effectively spread the field with his passing game while also mixing in runs from Evans and other ball carriers, Mississippi State will have a legitimate shot at staying competitive in this high-stakes SEC battle.

One area where Mississippi State has improved under Arnett’s leadership is third-down conversion efficiency. This statistic often separates good teams from great ones, and Hubbard’s development in this area has been key to the Bulldogs’ progress. Converting on third downs will be crucial when facing a defense as formidable as Texas A&M’s, and Hubbard’s poise and accuracy on third-and-long situations will be a major storyline to watch.

Texas A&M: A Championship-Caliber Team with High Expectations

Texas A&M, ranked 21st in the nation heading into this game, comes into the contest with high expectations. After a strong 2024 campaign in which the Aggies finished with 10 wins, they are eager to take the next step in 2025 and challenge for the SEC West title. With a loaded roster that includes star players on both sides of the ball, Texas A&M’s season is set up for a possible breakout, and this game against Mississippi State will be a crucial litmus test.

The Aggies are led by head coach Jimbo Fisher, who is in his seventh season at Texas A&M. Fisher has managed to recruit a wealth of talent, particularly in the trenches, and his coaching pedigree has instilled a sense of discipline and competitiveness in the program. In 2025, the Aggies return a stout defense that is expected to be one of the best in the SEC, particularly up front, where the defensive line boasts several future NFL prospects.

While much of the attention surrounding Texas A&M has been on their defense, the Aggies’ offense will also play a pivotal role in this game. Quarterback Conner Weigman, who had an excellent 2024 season, returns for 2025 with high hopes of leading Texas A&M to an SEC Championship. Weigman, known for his strong arm and impressive pocket presence, has shown signs of becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the conference, and if he continues to improve, the Aggies could be a force to be reckoned with.

One area where Texas A&M has been working to improve is consistency in the running game. While the Aggies have a strong passing attack, their ability to establish a balanced offense through the running game will be crucial in their quest to make a deep postseason run. In 2025, running back Le’Veon Moss, a former 5-star recruit, has emerged as the featured back, and his performance could determine how effective Texas A&M’s offense is moving forward.

Against Mississippi State, the Aggies will rely heavily on their defensive line to stymie Hubbard and the Bulldogs’ offensive attack. Texas A&M’s defensive front is one of the most talented in the SEC, and players like Shemar Stewart and LT Overton will be tasked with disrupting Hubbard’s rhythm and applying consistent pressure. If the Aggies can control the line of scrimmage, they will put Hubbard in tough situations and limit Mississippi State’s offensive opportunities.

Key Matchup: Mississippi State’s Passing Attack vs. Texas A&M’s Defense

The most intriguing matchup in this game will undoubtedly be the battle between Josh Hubbard’s passing attack and Texas A&M’s defensive line. Mississippi State will rely on Hubbard to move the ball through the air, and while they have a balanced offense, it’s clear that their passing game will be the key to success. Hubbard will need to find success against an aggressive defensive line led by Stewart, Overton, and other formidable pass rushers. How well Hubbard handles the pressure, uses his mobility to extend plays, and makes accurate throws will be a major determining factor in the outcome of this game.

At the same time, Texas A&M’s defensive secondary will need to limit Hubbard’s effectiveness in the passing game. The Aggies return several experienced players in the secondary, including cornerback Denver Harris, who is poised for a breakout season. Harris, along with his defensive backfield teammates, will need to be disciplined and prevent big plays downfield. Hubbard’s ability to read defenses and distribute the ball to his playmakers will be critical in keeping Texas A&M’s defense off-balance.

The Stakes: What’s at Stake for Both Teams

For Mississippi State, this game represents an opportunity to make a statement. A win over a ranked Texas A&M team would be a huge confidence booster for Hubbard and the Bulldogs, as it would prove that they are capable of competing at the highest level in the SEC. With a growing talent pool and a rising star at quarterback, a victory here could propel Mississippi State into the upper echelon of the conference, with potential to challenge for a top spot in the SEC West.

For Texas A&M, this game is crucial in their quest to stay competitive in the SEC West and beyond. With a national championship window opening, they cannot afford any slip-ups against teams like Mississippi State. A win would help Texas A&M stay in the hunt for a College Football Playoff spot, but a loss could derail their momentum and cast doubt on their ability to compete for a title.