The 2025 NFL Draft came and went without a single Mississippi State Bulldog being selected. That comes at no surprise considering MSU football went just 2-10 in 2024 with the main culprit for that disastrous campaign being the lack of talent on the roster. But a few players are getting NFL opportunities. Wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi and linebacker Stone Blanton have signed deals as undrafted free agents, and center Ethan Miner was invited to a rookie mini camp.
There is another former Bulldog that's signed a deal as an undrafted free agent following the draft, but he didn't suit up for MSU football last fall...
Mississippi State basketball center Jimmy Bell Jr. signs with Los Angeles Chargers
In one of the most surprising and fun moves of the 2025 NFL Draft and UDFA cycle, former Mississippi State basketball player Jimmy Bell Jr. has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Bulldog big man will be getting his shot as an NFL offensive tackle.
Jimmy Bell Jr. was a key piece for Chris Jans and Bulldog basketball during the 2023-2024 season. He transferred in to serve as a backup center behind star Tolu Smith and ended up making 16 starts during the year, averaging 5.0 points and 4.9 rebounds. But though basketball was the focus of his collegiate career, playing football has always been a goal.
Bell Jr. was a 3-star offensive line prospect in 2018 and held D1 offers for football before ultimately signing with St. Louis for hoops. After a stint in JUCO, he transferred to West Virginia in 2022 and decided to give college football a try, practicing with the Mountaineers. Again though, basketball is what stuck.
He joined State for his final year of college basketball, and following the season, he once again gave football a shot. Bell participated in spring practices under Jeff Lebby for 2024. He ultimately wasn't on the roster come fall, but it was clear football is what he was focused on for his athletic future.
No one would have guessed that would mean an NFL team giving him a shot, but clearly, Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers think he's got something. There's something to be said for being 6-9 and having the fluidity necessary to play basketball. That's going to be intriguing to NFL teams. Seeing as how he's gotten his weight up to 330, that screams "athletic freak". And if there's a spot where NFL franchises want to see athletic freaks, it's on the offensive line.
Also, you couldn't pick a better landing spot as a developmental offensive lineman with incredible athletic traits. Jim Harbaugh is obsessed with lineman. He considers them weapons. If any coach is going to invest in a high upside UDFA at the position, it's him. I doubt signing Jimmy Bell Jr. is just for show. LA is going to give him a real shot, making this all more fun a story to follow.