Former Oklahoma transfer Kevonte Henry breaks down Mississippi State decision

Kevonte Henry began his college football career on a staff that featured Jeff Lebby. Following Monday’s announcement, the 2025 linebacker prospect from Cerritos (Calif.) College now plans to finish his college career with a Lebby-led coaching staff.

Henry, who began his college career at Oklahoma, announced his Mississippi State commitment on Monday, just a day after he finished up his weekend official visit to Mississippi State. Henry has two years of remaining eligibility and delivered his commitment news to Lebby in person on Saturday evening during that official visit.

“It was good seeing Coach Lebby again,” Henry remarked. “I missed seeing him and we hung out a lot. Then I committed on Saturday during my official visit and it felt good to do that. I think we are closer now than we were at Oklahoma. So now I just have to go home, handle my business there and come back to Mississippi State ready to ball.”

Following his prep career, the Los Angeles native signed with Oklahoma and redshirted with the Sooners in the 2022 season. As noted, Lebby was on Oklahoma’s staff during that 2022 season and was the offensive coordinator.

Henry played last season at Cerritos (Calif.) College where he totaled 43 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 10 games. He has one season left at Cerritos College and is eager to return to the next level.

Regarding Mississippi State, obviously, Henry is familiar with head coach Jeff Lebby, who was offensive coordinator at Oklahoma in 2022 when Henry began his college career. Henry, who goes by Koa, noted of their relationship and is ready to see Lebby later this week.

“Me and Coach Lebby are close and we have a close relationship,” Henry explained. “So it’s cool to know someone there and it will be good to see him again. He is proud of me and told me everyone goes through struggles. But as long as you grow from it, it will be fine. He was glad that I am being humble and is proud of my growth. He is ready to work with me again on a better note.”

In his second go-around on the recruiting scene, Henry naturally had a different view about his future. He has witnessed all of the bright lights and red-carpet treatment of recruiting before. But this past weekend, his decision was based on what was best for his future and playing for a coach he trusts.

“Being there was cool,” Henry recalled. “Everything is close by and connected, and it is family-friendly, too. I got to introduce myself to all the players and coaches, and I like the vibes I got from all of them. I got to meet a lot of new people and they were all great.”

That comfortable vibe was also evident with Henry regarding his player host, he shared. He was able to learn more about State’s new defensive staff and how they interact with the players on a daily basis. And with that changing of staffs, several State players have spoken openly about the positive changes with Lebby and company.

“Ty Cooper was my host and that was good,” added Henry. “He let me know how it is there. He said the coaches treat you great and that it is a better experience with this staff than he had with the experience he had with the last staff. He loves it there.”

Henry is on track to graduate from Cerritos (Calif.) College in December and then he will prepare to enroll at Mississippi State in January. While his journey back to the Power 5 ranks has been an interesting one, he wants to make the most of his next opportunity in the SEC.

“I went to Oklahoma for the 2022 season and I redshirted that season,” said the 6-foot-4 and 242-pound Henry. “The whole experience there was cool and towards the end, whatever happened, happened. But I learned from that experience and it made me better. I did the whole 180 thing right now and it has set me up for better things. I am trying to get back and be a lot better.”