With the portal closing, Spartans secure crucial special teams talent, aiming to tilt the field and score decisively.
Michigan State’s work in the transfer portal is officially winding down, and the final numbers tell an interesting story. The Spartans saw 44 players enter the portal and remain, two players enter and withdraw, and added 26 new commits to the roster.
Here at Roundtable, we’ve covered every addition along the way, and we’ll continue to keep our word of relaying every new player headed to East Lansing.
Pat Fitzgerald has quietly put together a masterclass in roster construction this portal season. You won’t find Michigan State listed among the top 10 portal classes nationally, despite adding the fourth-best left tackle in the cycle and a running back who scored 15 touchdowns last season. Instead, the Spartans focused on retooling almost the entire offensive line and completely rebuilding the defense.
Because Michigan State is comfortable at quarterback, added receivers without landing a national headliner, and lost its leading passer, rusher, and receiver to the portal, much of the national media has glossed over this class. But Fitzgerald and Spartan fans understand what’s being built.
Grit. Grit. And more grit.
This is a team being designed to win with a ground-and-pound offensive identity, reinforced by three talented running backs and four starting-caliber offensive linemen. Defensively, the blueprint is clear as well—attack the quarterback with size up front and fast, aggressive linebackers flying downhill.
If you’re looking for a high-octane offense scoring 50 points a game, Michigan State likely won’t be your destination. But if special teams can tilt the field—and sometimes the scoreboard—the Spartans plan to capitalize. That emphasis continued with two more portal additions, both key contributors on special teams.
Michigan State lost multiple long snappers to the portal this offseason, making their first addition unsurprising.
Nick Duzansky – Oregon – LS
Duzansky comes to East Lansing from Oregon and reunites with former St. Francis teammate and current MSU quarterback Alessio Milivojevic. The move east also continues a family tradition, as Duzansky’s brother served as Penn State’s long snapper and has declared for the NFL Draft.
At Oregon, Duzansky was positioned behind All-Big Ten long snapper Luke Basso, limiting his opportunities. Now, he’ll have the chance to compete for the starting role and potentially lock down the job for the 2026 season.
The Spartans’ second addition could have an immediate and game-changing impact.
Kenneth Williams – KR/RB – Nebraska
For a team placing heavy emphasis on winning through special teams, adding an explosive returner was a priority. Kenneth Williams fits that role perfectly. Williams finished last season as Nebraska’s primary kick returner, totaling 12 returns for 395 yards and a touchdown—nearly 33 yards per return.
His lone touchdown came on a 95-yard opening kickoff return, immediately flipping momentum.
Williams earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors from the media and Third Team recognition from the coaches. A Detroit native, he brings familiarity with the region along with big-play potential. While his primary role will be on special teams, he also contributed offensively with five rushing attempts for 22 yards and one reception for 20 yards.
Both additions reinforce Michigan State’s identity and approach to winning games. This roster isn’t built around individual stars—it’s built around a collective effort with a singular goal.
And if anyone can get these players ready, it’s Pat Fitzgerald.