Kpaka chooses Bulldogs

Mississippi State picked up another transfer portal prospect earlier today when former Purdue defensive tackle Sulaiman Kpaka made the call.

Mississippi State’s big Sunday got bigger figuratively and literally earlier today when former Purdue defensive tackle Sulaiman Kpaka committed to the Bulldogs. At the end of his official visit to Starkville, Kpaka informed the State staff that he was ready to wear the maroon and white in 2024.

“I had an absolutely great visit to Mississippi State,” Kpaka (pronounced Paka) said. “De’Monte Russell was my host and he is a fabulous guy. I have a lot of respect for the guy and the amount of football that he’s played in the SEC. He’s a leader and I know that guy is going to have a big year next year. I think I am going to enjoy playing with him. He’s the kind of guy you want to play with.”

Before Kpaka boarded the flight home, he told all who would listen that he was ready to end his transfer portal recruiting process. The former Boilermaker two-deeper is ready to come in and compete for some serious playing time at Mississippi State. Coach David Turner is a big reason why he made the choice he did.

“I’ve known Coach Turner since I was in high school,” Kpaka said. “He recruited me when he was at UTSA, so we’ve just been building on that earlier relationship since I have gone into the portal. I have pretty much known what I was going to do once we started talking again. When you look at the quality of players that he has developed over the years, it’s impressive. I feel like he can help develop me too, so I am excited about getting up there and get to work.”

Arizona State, Eastern Michigan, Georgia Tech Texas State, Western Michigan and others extended offers along with Mississippi State once Kpaka announced his intention to transfer from Purdue. The process did not take long, but Kpaka is glad that it is over. The talented big man can enjoy the holidays with his family knowing that he knows where he will spend next year and finish up his college playing career.

“I am relieved that it’s all over and I am happy about how things turned out,” Kpaka said. “Of course, I went through a lot of this when I was coming out of high school. it’s different when you go into the portal. There’s a lot to think about and a lot to consider. I am happy with my decision and happy with how things worked out. I am excited to play my final year at Mississippi State.”

Mississippi State has added a handful of commitments towards the 2024 signing class today. Like the rest of his portal peers, Kpaka will not sign a national letter of intent when the December signing period opens on Wednesday. Kpaka will simply enroll in January and begin spring semester classes with the rest of the Bulldogs.