Jackson State's Kevin Coleman Jr. Selected by Miami Dolphins in 2026 NFL Draft

The Miami Dolphins made former Jackson State University wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. their sixth-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, taking him with the 177th overall pick on Friday.

Coleman becomes the fifth player who previously played for Jackson State to be selected in the NFL Draft since 2022, continuing the Tigers' recent pipeline to professional football. His selection came shortly after fellow former SWAC standout Karon Prunty was chosen in the fifth round.

The St. Louis native arrived at Jackson State as a four-star prospect in the 2022 high school recruiting class, choosing the Tigers over powerhouse programs including the University of Southern California, Oregon, Miami, and Alabama. His commitment to JSU represented a major recruiting victory for the program.

Coleman made an immediate impact in his lone season wearing the blue and white.

• 899 all-purpose yards
• Three touchdowns (all receiving)

Following head coach Deion Sanders' departure to the University of Colorado, Coleman transferred and spent time at Louisville, Mississippi State, and Missouri as he continued his collegiate career.

His most productive season came while playing for Mississippi State in 2024, where he emerged as the team's top receiving threat. Coleman led the Bulldogs with 932 receiving yards on 74 receptions and found the end zone six times. He also contributed on special teams, recording 153 punt return yards on 16 attempts.

The Miami Dolphins announced the selection on social media, welcoming Coleman to South Florida despite listing his most recent school, Missouri, in their official announcement.

Coleman's journey from SWAC Freshman of the Year to NFL draft pick exemplifies the talent level at HBCUs and demonstrates that players who begin their careers at historically black colleges and universities can achieve their professional football dreams.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.