Spartan stars depart, but Michigan State aims to reload. A coaching shift sparks player exodus and a portal frenzy.
This is by no means the end of players entering the portal — nor is it the end of the Spartans.
Michigan State will be heavily involved in the transfer portal, particularly when it comes to bringing players into East Lansing. What we’re seeing now is simply the other side of the process.
The Spartans went through a massive retooling this offseason, firing former head coach Jonathan Smith and hiring former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
With any coaching change in college sports comes the inevitable train of players searching for new opportunities. Maybe they were promised something that never materialized. Maybe they committed to MSU based on what they heard from Smith — though it’s hard to believe that carried much weight, considering Smith struggled to show he could be a true leader of men in the Big Ten. Or maybe these players are simply looking for one last chance to shine before their collegiate careers come to an end.
January 2nd (this coming Friday) marks the opening of the two-week transfer portal window. Over the past month, players have already declared their intent to enter, assuring their teams they’d be gone — but not forgotten (well, some of them anyway). Now, the doors officially open, and players can decide where they’ll spend the next chapter of their college lives before making the jump to adulthood.
Michigan State saw one player enter the portal in November, followed by 20 more throughout December.
Players Entering the Transfer Portal / 2025 Notable Stats
- Nov. 30 – RB Makhi Frazier (2 years remaining) / Leading rusher
- Dec. 1 – WR Nick Marsh (2 years remaining) / Leading receiver
- Dec. 5 – EDGE Stone Chaney (4 years remaining)
- Dec. 8 – DB Jeremiah Hughes (2 years remaining) / 3 tackles in 4 games
- Dec. 8 – S Tracy Revels (2 years remaining)
- Dec. 8 – OG Gavin Broscious (1–2 years remaining)
- Dec. 9 – OL Rashawn Rogers (4 years remaining)
- Dec. 10 – DB Justin Denson Jr. (3 years remaining) / 2 tackles in 3 games
- Dec. 10 – LB Semaj Bridgeman (2 years remaining) / 6 tackles, 1 TFL (12 games)
- Dec. 11 – LB Darius Snow (1 year remaining) / 34 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack (12 games)
- Dec. 11 – DB Ade Willie (1 year remaining) / 16 tackles, 2 TFL (4 games)
- Dec. 11 – EDGE Tyler Gillison (1–2 years remaining) / 2 tackles (9 games)
- Dec. 12 – LS Kaden Schickel (1 year remaining)
- Dec. 15 – QB Aidan Chiles (1 year remaining) / Leading passer
- Dec. 15 – LB Marcellius Pulliam (2 years remaining) / 8 tackles (4 games)
- Dec. 16 – WR Grant Calcagno (2 years remaining)
- Dec. 23 – DB George Mullins (4 years remaining) / 1 tackle (3 games)
- Dec. 23 – DB Elisha West (3 years remaining)
- Dec. 27 – TE Michael Masunas (2 years remaining) / 19 receptions, 232 yards, 3 TDs
- Dec. 28 – OL Cooper Terpstra (2 years remaining)
- Dec. 30 – K Martin Connington (3 years remaining)
Within this group are the Spartans’ leading passer, rusher, receiver, second-leading tight end, leading kicker, and one of the team’s top defensive contributors.
That said, many of the defensive players entering the portal were special teams contributors or depth pieces still waiting for their opportunity to break through.
Michigan State made it a priority to retain and upgrade its defensive coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi and safeties coach James Adams were retained, while former Spartan Max Bullough was brought in as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator. The staff was rounded out with Winston DeLattiboudere, a defensive line coach with NFL experience.
That combination alone should entice defensive transfers to consider East Lansing. Add in Pat Fitzgerald’s history of developing quarterbacks and building competitive offenses, and there’s reason to believe the Spartans won’t be quiet on that side of the ball either.
Michigan State is attempting something that won’t be easy. Jumping from a one–conference-win team to bowl eligibility in a loaded Big Ten is no small task. But with the right staff, the right portal additions, and a bit of patience, it’s possible.
It all starts Friday — when the portal opens, and all hell breaks loose.