A Pair of Transfer Receivers Will Impact Mississippi State Football This Fall

Two new receivers have a lot of expectations for Mississippi State.

UTEP's Kelly Akharaiyi catches a pass in front of a WKU defender on Nov. 4, 2023 at the Sun Bowl. / Alberto Silva Fernandez/ El Paso Times /

STARKVILLE, Miss. — The Mississippi State Bulldogs are now a couple of weeks into spring practice under first-year head coach Jeff Lebby. The former Oklahoma offensive coordinator had some immediate needs to fill at the receiver position, and he got two playmakers, Kelly Akharaiyi and Kevin Coleman. 

Lebbys offense was the most significant recruiting pitch for both guys. 

"His offense is explosive," Coleman said. "He gets to his guys and lets them work."

"How much he throws the ball," Akharaiyi said. "I got great weapons around me, so I love it."

Akharaiyi transferred to MSU from UTEP, where last year he was named to the All-Conference USA first team. The Texas native was explosive for the Miners as he posted 1,033 receiving yards on 48 receptions and averaged 21.5 yards per catch. 

The Lebby offense is a perfect fit for Akharaiyi because he can extend the field and make explosive plays. 

"They look at me to make the big plays down the field," Akharaiyi said. "That is why he brought me in here, so that is what I am here to do."

The Senior receiver has been working at the outside spot this spring. In contrast, Coleman has worked primarily in the slot. 

Coleman is no stranger to the transfer portal and adjusting to a new school, as this is the third school for the Missouri native. He originally signed with Deion Sanders and Jackson State out of high school, and he made a significant impact for the Tigers in his one season. 

Coleman was the 2022 SWAC freshman of the year as he collected 32 receptions for 475 yards and three touchdowns. Coleman decided to jump to the Power Five level after a season at Jackson State as he transferred to Louisville, and was productive in his time there as he totaled 26 receptions for 362 yards and two touchdowns. 

Both guys are expected to not only produce on the field but they are expected to be leaders. They are adjusting well to that role and want to ensure a lot of chemistry.

"Just make sure everybody is on the right page," Akharaiyi said. "If one eats, we all eat.. you can't play this game by yourself."

The Bulldogs have had some of the most talented receiver rooms they have ever had in the past few years, and this group is no different. This year, there is a good mix of veteran receivers and a trio of 4-star freshmen, so this group has a chance to be special, but it all starts with the two transfers. 

"We can be elite," Coleman said. "We got a couple of guys that are older that are really good, but the young guys are surprising me."