Wide receiver is one of the most important positions in Jeff Lebby's offense at Mississippi State, and despite the overall struggles of 2024, he had a talented group of pass-catchers to work with last season. Unfortunately, much of that talent is gone in 2025.
Three of the Bulldogs' top four receivers from 2024 depart, including Kevin Coleman and his 74 catches, 932 yards, and six touchdowns. To address their needs at the position, State hit the Transfer Portal hard, adding six players at the position.
The theme of the new faces? Lots of potential but not much production. They're additions that largely have strong talent profiles who flashed at their prior stops but weren't able to become starters. They're looking to change that playing for Jeff Lebby.
One of the presumed leaders of that group is Brenen Thompson. Thompson played for Lebby at Oklahoma, where he proved to be a great deep threat for the Sooners. Averaging 45 yards per touchdown reception, he's considered one of the fastest players in the sport, but he's never been more than deep threat. Lebby is confident his role can expand, and they likely need it to.
Another addition with high expectations is Anthony Evans III from Georgia. The shifty slot and return man was a gadget player in Athens with just 17 offensive touches in two seasons as a backup. But he's known to be dangerous in space, and there's a belief that he is set to thrive playing the same position that Kevin Coleman did a year ago.
Then there's Ole Miss transfer Ayden Williams. The former 4-star and Ridgeland-native was a practice superstar in Oxford, but that didn't translate to production on gamedays. Now in Starkville, he has again shined during the offseason. The question is if the change of scenery and a greater need at his position results in a breakout season.
But it's not all new faces. Jordan Mosley had a solid year as a primary starter on the outside for State in 2024, catching 23 passes for 405 yards and three scores. Him being a more featured target isn't out of the question. Redshirt freshman Ricky Johnson impressed out of the slot over the offseason too and looks to have secured a spot in the regular rotation.
There are others worth mentioning too. Eastern Michigan transfer Markus Allen was a big play wideout for the Eagles who's stepped in well. Former Michigan State Spartan Jaron Glover looks to be a solid fit within the system, and don't count out redshirt freshman Sanfrisco Magee to earn his way onto the field after routinely making highlight-reel plays during the offseason.
Mississippi State Bulldogs need go-to targets to emerge at wide receiver
There's no doubt Mississippi State has good depth at the wide receiver position. There's also plenty of talent in the room, and at a minimum, they should field a solid group with the variety of skillsets needed to put together a competent passing attack.
The question is whether or not they've got a wideout that they can count on in key situations as a go-to target. Yes, having several quality options to throw to is a good thing, but realistically, you want an alpha in the room that will reliably get open and haul in receptions when you need a conversion and have to throw for it.
Kevin Coleman became that guy for the Bulldogs last season after having not been that player at his previous stops. Jeff Lebby is now going to need another star to emerge at the position who, like Coleman, hasn't previously held such a role.
Based on the track-record for this offense, odds are high someone does emerge. Lebby's had a WR record at least 70 catches in all but one of his seasons as a play-caller, and in most years, the No. 2 pass-catcher saw significantly fewer targets. Lebby tends to find his one guy and force-feed him. Who will be that guy for MSU in 2025? They're ideally settling that now.