Much of Mississippi State’s 2025 recruiting class will take shape in the coming weeks and months, but head coach Jeff Lebby is already getting a head start on 2026.
Wide receiver Kenny Darby, out of Airline High School in Bossier City, Louisiana, became the first rising junior to commit to the Bulldogs on Friday morning. MSU is Darby’s only power conference offer to this point, with Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, Tulsa and South Florida also in the mix.
A three-star prospect according to 247Sports, Darby is the No. 14 recruit in his class from Louisiana. In just six games as a sophomore last fall, Darby caught 35 passes for 561 yards — averaging 16 yards per reception — with nine touchdowns. He attended a camp at MSU last Saturday, picking up an offer from the Bulldogs the same day.
MSU currently has four commits for the class of 2025, headlined by four-star quarterback Kamario Taylor from nearby Noxubee County High. Four-star edge rusher Tyshun Willis committed in April, joining linebacker AJ Rice and punter Jack Richardson.
The Bulldogs have enjoyed success attracting receivers to Starkville since Lebby was hired in late November, securing a deep incoming freshman class that includes JJ Harrell, Mario Craver and Starkville native Braylon Burnside. Wide receivers coach Chad Bumphis was one of just two assistants retained by Lebby from last year’s staff, which helped bring in Kelly Akharaiyi and Kevin Coleman via the transfer portal.
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