Emmanuel Forbes will be headed to the NFL, but not before he plays in one more game as a Mississippi State Bulldog.

Earlier this month, Forbes announced that he would be foregoing his senior year in 2023 and declaring for the NFL Draft. However, on Thursday, Mississippi State announced that Forbes would be playing in the Reliaquest Bowl against Illinois on Jan. 2.

For Forbes and the rest of the Mississippi State program, this year has been a tumultuous one. After leading the Bulldogs to a winning 8-4 season, coach Mike Leach passed away on Dec. 12 at the age of 61. Since that time, previous defensive coordinator Zach Arnett has been hired to take the helm.

The addition of Forbes on the field will be a huge help for the Bulldogs as they face the Illini. This season alone, Forbes has amassed 6 interceptions, good enough for 3rd in the nation. In 3 years, he accumulated 6 interception returns for touchdowns, breaking the FBS record for pick-6s.