Former Deion Sanders, Jackson State star selected in 2026 NFL Draft

Kevin Coleman Jr., a former Jackson State star during Deion Sanders tenure with the team, is set to play at the next level. Coleman was selected in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 177th pick by the Miami Dolphins, which will reunite him with his former Jackson State teammate, Travis Hunter. Both Hunter and Coleman played for Jackson State in 2022.

Coleman Jr. has experience performing under bright lights at the college level. He signed with Jackson State Tigers football for the 2022 season when Sanders was in his final season with the program. A highly touted prospect, Coleman entered college as a four-star recruit and one of the top wide receivers in the country. Notably, he chose Jackson State over programs like Miami Hurricanes football without taking an official visit.

During his freshman campaign, Coleman totaled 32 receptions for 475 yards and three touchdowns. His standout performance came in the Celebration Bowl, where he recorded 137 receiving yards and a touchdown on seven catches. Despite his efforts, Jackson State fell to North Carolina Central Eagles football 41–34 in overtime.

Following Sanders’ departure to the Colorado Buffaloes football, Coleman entered the transfer portal and soon committed to continue his career with the Louisville Cardinals football. In his lone season at Louisville, he recorded 26 catches for 362 yards and two touchdowns.

Coleman’s most productive stretch came after transferring to the Mississippi State Bulldogs football in 2024, hauling in 74 receptions for 932 yards and six touchdowns. He followed that up at the Missouri Tigers football in 2025 with 66 receptions for 732 yards and a touchdown. Across his career, Coleman has totaled 199 catches for 2,536 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 12.7 yards per reception with a long of 85 yards, which drew the attention of NFL scouts.

Coleman now looks to be a productive contributor on a Dolphins team that missed the playoffs after going 7-10.

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