Mississippi
Four reactions from Mississippi State football practice: Receiving room ready to show improvement
Watch as Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby speaks after preseason practice
Watch a part of what Mississippi State football coach Jeff Lebby discussed after his first preseason practice in Starkville.
STARKVILLE — Close to a week ago, Mississippi State football wide receiver Jordan Mosley saw the name of a group text that he and other receivers had and didn’t like the ring to it.
Mosley consulted with MSU wide receivers Kelly Akharaiyi, Kevin Coleman, and others after listening to a group called Concrete Boys, which rapper Lil Yachty donned. He figured that name might be related to their wide receiver room. Mosley brought it up around the group, and thus, the name stuck: the “Concrete Boys.”
“We think we’re the hardest group in the nation,” said Mosley on Friday, who wouldn’t say what the name of the previous group text was. “We all think we’re good, and I think that’s the best part of our team. I think we have a very competitive team. Everybody feels like they’re the best in their position.”
Receiving room looks to improve from bad year in 2023
When Mosely was asked his thoughts on the 2023 season, he didn’t remember how many wins or losses the Bulldogs had. He just knew it wasn’t enough wins for the standard he and his team wanted.
“I think we had a good room last year, but I think we were missing that (competitive) component,” he said.
Last season, MSU ranked second to last in the SEC with 2,182 receiving yards and last with 15 receiving touchdowns.
During preseason practices, Mosley said stiff competition within the group is a clear advantage because it forces each receiver to work for a starting spot.
MORE JEFF LEBBY: What Jeff Lebby said about first Mississippi State football practice and wants Bulldogs to do more
“We have a lot of guys who can play for effect,” he said. “… But having that competitive spirit just helps a lot more. It makes us good. It makes us who we are.”
Blake Shapen confident in MSU, Jeff Lebby offense
Blake Shapen points to a unique area he’s experienced here in Starkville with Jeff Lebby, which is being pushed to a limit he hasn’t had before.
“There’s an expectation level, and if you don’t reach it, obviously you need to figure out a way to reach it,” Shapen said. “I think that’s the biggest thing that I haven’t had in the past is to be pushed like I’m being pushed right now up to a level that I need to get to. I’m very blessed to have that’s what I need right now. In my career.”
With skillful transfers and a good young core on offense, Shapen said he likes where the teams currently at but can see it reaching highs outside of MSU being picked to finish 15th in the SEC.
“We don’t sit there and look at that all day, but we’ve all seen it,” he said. “… We brought in some transfers have young guys that have come in and had a big impact on our receiver core. They want to get better every single day.”
Seydou Traore hopes to make impact in first eligible season at MSU
Tight end Seydou Traore was forced to sit out the 2023 season due to NCAA transfer rules and is looking to make an immediate impact.
“I mean, I just want to get the ball in my hands. I want to make plays, and I want to score. I mean, anyway that we have to do that, I’m open to it and I’m excited about it.”
A potential battle between him and Justin Bell is set to take place, which adds to the depth at the tight end position with Justin’s brother Cameron, along with Nick Lauderdale and Sam Paxton.
“We’ve had a lot of transfers come in, and I’ve been a transfer before, so I know how it is,” said Traore, who transferred from Arkansas State. “It’s really competitive. Everyone wants a starting spot, and everyone wants to play. When you have that iron sharpens iron.”
Offensive lineman off-field bond aims to replicate on field
Senior Ethan Miner said he’s been at a few football programs that don’t accept new transfers. But when Miner and others arrived at MSU, he said it was an experience he’d rarely felt.
“They were very accepting of us,” he said. “I’ve been at places where your transfer in guys don’t like you because it’s a threat. I mean, it’s a threat to come in to compete for a spot, and (here) that wasn’t the case at all.”
DAY 1 PRACTICES: What Jeff Lebby said of Mississippi State football transfers Blake Shapen, Kevin Coleman
It was also shocking for Miner to suit up alongside linemen with a bigger frame than him.
“Coming from (Group of 5) schools where I was one of the biggest guys definitely feels nice having somebody 6-5 next to me and 320 (pounds),” Miner quipped. “So I’m very confident.”
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.
Ferris, West to discuss Mississippi folk artists at UM Museum
Published 6:30 am Thursday, June 4, 2026
The University of Mississippi Museum will host “A Conversation with Bill Ferris & Milly West” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on June 17.
A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the talk at 6 p.m.
The program will feature Bill Ferris, founding director of the Center for Southern Studies, author, scholar and folklorist, in conversation with photographer and former Southside Gallery owner Milly West, discussing “Mississippi Self-taught and Folk Artists in the Museum Collections.”
The discussion will explore the creativity, ingenuity and cultural storytelling of self-taught and folk artists represented in the museum’s collection. Ferris and West both had personal relationships with many of the artists and will share stories and insights into their artistic inspirations and processes.
Through paintings, sculpture, textiles, carvings and mixed-media works, the pair will examine how artists working outside traditional academic training have shaped the art and visual culture of the American South.
Among the artists discussed will be Luster Willis, whose work is currently featured in an exhibition at the museum. Most of the pieces on display were gifted to the museum by Ferris. Other artists highlighted during the conversation will include Sulton Rogers and Theora Hamblett.
Following the arguments, students questioned the judges about their careers and the responsibilities of serving on the appellate court.
Alfred Galtney, Alcorn State University compliance officer and a member of the academy’s planning committee, said the experience helped students understand the role law plays in everyday life.
“I hope they’ll get an understanding of how law impacts society and the important role lawyers play in our everyday lives,” Galtney said.
Several students said the event strengthened their interest in legal careers.
Layla Woods, an incoming junior at Franklin County High School, said the program encouraged her to continue pursuing her goals of attending law school. Izzy Turner, who will enter the 10th grade at Franklin County High, said watching the proceedings helped her better understand the seriousness and importance of the legal system. Turner plans to major in psychology before attending law school.
Kavion Curtis Jr., enrolled at Natchez Early College at Co-Lin, said his interest in law stems from a love of debate and courtroom advocacy.
“I’ve always loved courtroom shows and how professional lawyers are,” Curtis said. “I have a passion for debating, and I hope to become an attorney and eventually a judge.”
The Court on the Road program is designed to bring the appellate court process directly to communities across Mississippi while educating students about careers in law and public service.
The Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy is organized by a committee made up of school counselors, judges and community leaders.
They are Maggie Allgood, Adams County Christian School Counselor; Tennecia Barber, Vidalia High School Counselor; Jennifer Beach, Cathedral High School Counselor; Walt Brown, Adams County Court Judge; Ikeecia Colenburg, Attorney; Penny Daggett, Delta Charter School Counselor; Christina Daugherty, Sixth District ADA; E. Vincent Davis, 17th District Chancery Court Judge; Carmen Drake, Sixth District Circuit Judge; Courtney Fleming, Jefferson County High School Counselor; Alfred Galtney, Alcorn State University Compliance Officer; Aimee Guido, Natchez Inc; Anthony Heidelberg, Attorney; Angela James, Natchez High School Career Coach and Nicole McLaughlin of the Mississippi Bar Association.
Private high schools in Mississippi are receiving an enrollment multiplier for their respective sports teams.
The MHSAA announced on June 2 that it will apply a 1.5 multiplier to private schools enrollment for grades 9-11. The multiplier will go into effect during the 2027-28 sports season, when the MHSAA implements its new reclassification.
The MHSAA board voted on the motion, which passed.
“There’s always been a question of why our state does not have a multiplier from private schools that are in our association,” MHSAA Executive Director Rickey Neaves said in a statement. “So beginning with the next reclassification year, there will be a 1.5 multiplier added to all private schools that are currently in our organization. And to any of those that may be wanting to join our association.”
The change will affect private schools in all classes and will not affect schools for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Private schools around the state currently fluctuate through classes 1A-3A.
“We’re the only state in our section that does not have a multiplier of some kind,” Neaves said. “This was done because private schools, it is perceived, can control what classification they’re in by limiting the number of people that attend there. Also for the competitive and fair play advantage.”
Presbyterian Christian is the most recent private school to switch from MAIS to MHSAA, after making its MHSAA debut in 2025. The Bobcats recently won the MHSAA Class 3A baseball title.
In other sports during the 2025-26 year, Our Lady Academy won a Class 3A volleyball title and has the most MHSAA volleyball championships with 18. St. Stanislaus claimed a 3A boys basketball championship and St. Patrick won the Class I boys and girls soccer titles. Presbyterian Christian also won the 3A boys and girls tennis titles, while Sacred Heart won in Class I.
There are currently 10 private schools in the association.
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X @MikeSChavez or Facebook at Michael Chavez.
-
Alaska7 seconds agoTomorrow Alaska Burns $190 Million Of Taxpayer Money To Drag Oil Companies Into The Arctic Refuge
-
Arizona5 minutes agoBiosphere 3 AI system at University of Arizona facility analyzes environmental data
-
Arkansas12 minutes agoArkansas cotton, soybean planting pushes toward finish as June ‘Acreage’ surveys get underway – Pine Bluff Commercial
-
California15 minutes agoTrump claims without proof Democrats are ‘trying to steal’ California primaries
-
Colorado20 minutes agoAnyone can fish for free — without buying a license — this weekend in Colorado
-
Connecticut27 minutes agoDriver Dies After Vehicle Plunges Into Water: Police: CT News
-
Delaware30 minutes agoA favorite Delaware ice cream spot is getting a major makeover
-
Florida35 minutes agoCFO tells Florida voters don’t believe ‘big government apologists’ hype on property tax
