Image Property of Jones College Athletics
All Teams to Keep on Your Watchlist for 2025 Tennis
Mississippi tennis is about to be in full swing (ha, get it..)
Mississippi may not see the national spotlight when it comes to tennis, but the state has long been a powerhouse for the sport at every level. From junior college programs to top-tier SEC schools, Mississippi has consistently produced skilled players who make waves on the national stage. Many may not realize that Mississippi’s junior colleges have a storied tradition of excellence in tennis, often serving as stepping stones for athletes to launch their careers at Division I schools. The state also boasts a deep talent pool within its HBCUs, with programs that offer both athletic competition and a unique cultural experience. At the SEC level, Mississippi’s schools like Ole Miss and Mississippi State continue to compete at the highest levels, attracting top recruits and making noise in national tournaments. Whether it’s local high school talent, junior college standouts, or SEC elites, Mississippi has established itself as a breeding ground for tennis excellence at every tier. Let’s look at some of the best teams at every level to look out for this season.
SEC: When it comes to SEC tennis in Mississippi, Mississippi State’s men’s tennis program is the undeniable force to watch in 2025. Already cemented as one of the top programs in the nation, MSU has cracked the top 10 rankings, thanks to a powerhouse roster that features the #1 ranked doubles team in the nation. With multiple singles players ranked among the best in the SEC and beyond, the Bulldogs are poised for another great season. This success isn’t just a recent development—Mississippi State’s program has a storied history of cultivating talent, with alumni who have gone on to win major professional tournaments, further solidifying the school’s reputation as a tennis powerhouse. While Ole Miss has a competitive program in its own right, Mississippi State’s consistently high rankings and growing reputation make them the SEC team to follow this year. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the game, MSU is a program that promises exciting tennis and a serious shot at national glory in 2025.
HBCU: If this year mirrors last, Jackson State’s women’s tennis is the team to look out for this year. The team was a top-performing HBCU program in Mississippi, with an impressive 15-8 overall record. The Lady Tigers dominated the competition, particularly in conference play, where they finished an outstanding 8-1. Jackson State’s women’s team is poised to continue their rise in 2025, making them a program to watch in the year ahead. Their performance last season was a testament to the growing strength of HBCU tennis in Mississippi and a clear signal that the Lady Tigers are a rising power in the sport.
Junior College: If you’re looking for a team that’s truly set the bar in Mississippi junior college tennis, look no further than the Jones College Bobcats women’s tennis team. Coming off an incredible 22-0 season, the Bobcats are the team to beat in 2025. Their undefeated record speaks volumes about their dominance and with a perfect season under their belt, Jones College has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the junior college tennis landscape. As the 2025 season kicks off, the Bobcats will be aiming to defend their untarnished record, making them one of the most exciting teams to follow in the state. Their first game is in exactly one week.
College:
While it may be difficult to pinpoint a single standout team among Mississippi’s smaller universities and colleges, the state is home to a diverse array of schools with strong tennis programs worth keeping an eye on in 2025. While there isn’t one clear-cut frontrunner, these institutions are making waves in both men’s and women’s tennis, and many are quietly building competitive programs that could surprise the tennis world in the coming years.
