Five players Mississippi State football can't afford to lose after the season ends

Earlier this week, Mississippi State football coach Jeff Lebby alleged that, in the midst of a frustrating season, other programs are already tampering with some of his players, urging them to leave the struggling Bulldogs behind by entering the transfer portal for greener pastures.

The sad reality of the sport today is that you're always at risk of losing players. And while many may joke that no players from this awful Mississippi State team are worth tampering with, there are a few really nice pieces on the roster. They're players that State can build around for the future.

They're players that, frankly, State can't afford to lose if they're going to get out of their current mess, and that means that whatever NIL incentives are necessary to keep them around must be provided. Here are five Bulldogs MSU needs to do whatever they can to keep in Starkville...

Wide receiver Kevin Coleman

If anyone has been a bright spot on this team, it's been Kevin Coleman. The junior receiver has had a huge year as the top target on offense with 62 catches for 756 yards and five scores. Those numbers put him as one of the best in the SEC. No matter how poorly things are going for State, he produces and makes spectacular plays. There's a chance Coleman could entertain going pro, but if he stays in college, he's too important a weapon to lose.

Wide receiver Mario Craver

Sticking at WR, holding onto Mario Craver is a must. The true freshman is one of the most explosive players in the conference, averaging 21.7 yards per reception. He's gotten open deep against every defense MSU has faced, and in an offense predicated on hitting shots down the field, it's imperative that the Bulldogs continue having a weapon like him on the field. He and Coleman could be the best receiving duo in the SEC next season, and State can't risk losing him.

Tight End Seydou Traore

Noticing a trend here? Far and away the best thing State has going for it is the receiving corps, and if you're going to keep anything together after this season, it's that group. That includes TE Seydou Traore, who has emerged in a big way in recent weeks. He's an outstanding weapon over the middle of the field who opens up a ton for the offense, and he's a great complement to Coleman and Craver. State needs to build around its pass-catchers, which means doing whatever is necessary to hold this room together into next season.

Safety Isaac Smith

Not to slight anyone else on the defensive side of the ball, as there's been a few other solid players I'd prefer to see back, but there's only one guy there who you must keep. And that's Isaac Smith. Isaac Smith has 101 tackles. That leads the SEC. He is a safety! A safety that missed a game! That's absurd production that is also an unfortunate indictment on the pieces in front of him. But he's also never not around the ball, which is all you can ask of him. Hold onto him and get some better pieces around him!

Quarterback Michael Van Buren

Lastly, State has to hold onto Michael Van Buren. I know he's coming off a rough game, but as a true freshman being thrust into some impossible situations, he's been wildly impressive. He is an outstanding fit in Jeff Lebby's offense, and with some development, he could be a truly special QB. State needs to build around its receivers (all the more reason to keep a talented passer), but Van Buren is a foundational piece for this program going forward. There will be other teams selling him on more. Do what it takes to keep him in Starkville.