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Lockdown cornerback announces return to Mississippi State Bulldogs

Mississippi State football is getting its best defender back for 2026. Cornerback Kelley Jones is making his return to the Bulldogs after considering the NFL Draft. Named 3rd Team All-SEC by league coaches, the lockdown defensive back recorded 34 tackles, 11 passes broken up, and two interceptions in 2025. His 13 total passes defended was tied for second in the SEC.

— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) January 4, 2026

Kelley Jones was a breakout star for the Mississippi State defense. At 6-4, 195 with legitimate 4.4 speed, the redshirt sophomore has always been an athletic freak with elite potential.