Mississippi State reportedly set to land CUSA WR out of transfer portal

Mississippi State has reportedly landed a talented wide receiver via the transfer portal.

The Bulldogs are favored to land former UTEP WR Kelly Akharaiyi. Akharaiyi was an All-Conference USA selection in 2023 and finished with 1,033 yards.

The expectation is that former UTEP star wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi is going to transfer to Mississippi State, sources tell @247sports.

The All-Conference USA selection had 1,033 yards this year and ranks fifth nationally with 21.5 yards per catch.https://t.co/tGQ6GnZaYZ pic.twitter.com/xjBU0mD0o7

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 17, 2023

The receiver’s 1,033 yards were the 2nd-most in the conference this season. Akharaiyi also had 48 catches and 7 touchdowns, and the receiver was 5th nationally with 21.5 yards per catch. Akharaiyi has exhausted 3 seasons of college eligibility and will be able to play 1 season in Starkville.

The Bulldogs have seen a ton of talent leave via the transfer portal this offseason. So far, 13 players have joined the transfer portal, including 3 receivers. Akharaiyi will join 4 other players who have committed to the Bulldogs. Offensive lineman Makylan Pounders, quarterback Blake Shapen, offensive lineman Ethan Miner, and defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones are the other commits the Bulldogs have netted.

Jeff Lebby, the Bulldogs’ new head coach, will have much work to do after the team went 5-7 in 2023.