The 2025 NFL Draft went by without much fanfare for Mississippi State football. And by "not much" I mean "literally none." For the first time since 2009, not a single Bulldog was drafted. State was the only SEC team without a draft pick.
That's not at all a great look for the program. Still, a few Bulldogs are getting NFL opportunities as undrafted free agents. Here's every Bulldog to sign a deal...
Wide Receiver Kelly Akharaiyi signs with Buffalo Bills
Bulldogs wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi is headed north to Buffalo. In his one year with Mississippi State, he caught 25 passes for 391 yards and two TDs. As a junior at UTEP, Akharaiyi was one of the best deep-ball receivers in the country, finishing with 1033 yards and seven scores. The Bills need to find more options at WR, specifically guys who can stretch the field, which Akharaiyi can do.
Linebacker Stone Blanton signs with San Francisco 49ers
Mississippi State linebacker Stone Blanton is off to the Bay Area after signing with the 49ers. The Jackson, MS native finished second on the team with 125 tackles in 2024 after starting his career at South Carolina, where he was a starter for the Gamecocks. Blanton got better as the season went along, and with the 49ers in need of LB depth, San Fran could be a good landing spot.
Mississippi State basketball's Jimmy Bell Jr. signs with Los Angeles Chargers
If there was a surprise signing, this was it. The third Bulldog to sign a UDFA deal isn't someone from the 2024 football roster. It's basketball alum Jimmy Bell Jr. The former MSU big man had offers as an offensive lineman as a high school recruit, and he has given football multiple shots throughout his career. At 6-9, 330, Bell Jr. has absurd size and better athleticism than many lineman given his basketball background. And he's getting a shot with the best possible team as a development lineman in the Chargers.
Center Ethan Miner earns invitation to Chargers Rookie Mini Camp
While not officially signing a UDFA deal yet, State center Ethan Miner is getting an NFL shot after receiving an invitation to the LA Chargers' Rookie Mini Camp. Miner played one season with the Bulldogs after transferring in from UNT. One of the top portal centers available in 2024, Miner was MSU's most consistent lineman last season.