Mississippi Players in the Indoor Football League

To understand the importance of the talent flow from Mississippi, it’s important first to appreciate the stature of the Indoor Football League. The IFL is not just one of several indoor leagues; it’s positioned as “the highest professional level of indoor football” in the U.S. Founded in 2008, it’s also the “longest continuously running indoor football league in the country.”

For the 2025 season, the league consists of 14 teams split into two conferences, the Eastern and Western Conferences, with teams scattered across the country from Massachusetts to California. This national reach distinguishes it from more regional indoor leagues like The Arena League (TAL), the National Arena League (NAL), or Arena Football One (AF1).

The IFL’s role has been further elevated by a player personnel partnership with the XFL, positioning it as a developmental league for the prominent spring outdoor league. This relationship formalizes the IFL’s function as a proving ground, where players can showcase their skills with a real chance of moving on to larger stages like the XFL, Canadian Football League (CFL), or even the National Football League (NFL). Over 300 of its players have signed contracts with the NFL or CFL, underscoring its credibility as a talent incubator. Therefore, any analysis of the IFL’s player demographics is also an analysis of a crucial part of the broader professional football talent pool.

Despite its relatively small population, Mississippi has long been considered a hotbed for football. The state’s cultural passion for the sport is matched by a well-established infrastructure for player development that begins well before the professional level. This system is supported by a diverse mix of collegiate football programs that offer multiple pathways for athletes.

This multi-tiered system, from major SEC stadiums to the highly competitive junior college ranks, produces not only NFL draft picks but also a wealth of skilled players suited for professional opportunities in leagues like the IFL.

Mississippi State

Lee Autry II (DL), Vegas Knight Hawks
LaQuinston Sharp (OL), Fishers Freight

Ole Miss

Qaadir Sheppard (DL), Quad City Steamwheelers

Southern Mississippi

Camron Harrell (OL), Quad City Steamwheelers
Dontae Lucas (OL) and Dominic Quewon (DL), Massachusetts Pirates
Devin Thomas (DL), Northern Arizona Wranglers

Alcorn State University

Felix Harper (QB), Fishers Freight
Trae’varis Ferrell (LB), Northern Arizona Wranglers

Jackson State University:

John Huggins (DB), Jacksonville Sharks
Dallas Daniels (WR), San Diego Strike Force
Keyshawn Harper (RB), San Antonio Gunslingers
CJ Holmes (DB), Massachusetts Pirates

Delta State University

Tramond Lofton (DL), Green Bay Blizzard
Malik Jones (WR), Jacksonville Sharks

Co-Lin Community College

Delvin Salter (OL), Bay Area Panthers

Wayne County High School

Tramond Lofton (DL), Green Bay Blizzard

Comment Below: Have we missed someone that’s playing in the IFL this season? Have you been to an IFL game, how was your experience?