A promising Jackson State transfer injects much-needed experience and speed, bolstering the Spartans' receiver corps for the upcoming season.
The Spartans have a few weak spots that are visible on paper to the naked eye. That doesn’t mean they’ll be weak when it comes to being on the field, but simply put, the fact that a few position groups could use a little extra attention isn’t false.
However, better late than never, as my dad always says.
The Spartans have added Jackson State wide receiver transfer Jameel Gardner Jr., who stands 6’0” tall and weighs 186 pounds. It’s a move that feels both necessary and timely, especially given the current state of the room.
Gardner started his collegiate career in 2022 at Kent State—yes, the same school that made an Elite Eight run in 2002 as a 10-seed in basketball. As a freshman in ’22, Gardner redshirted and sat out the entirety of the season, preserving his eligibility while developing behind the scenes.
In 2023, Gardner played in 12 games, starting eight of them. He finished with 24 receptions on 56 targets—a 43% catch rate—for 294 receiving yards, averaging 12.4 yards per catch. Gardner hauled in one touchdown, a 50-yard bomb that also stood as his longest reception of the year. He also recorded 11 first-down receptions, showing flashes of reliability in key moments.
Gardner then transferred from the FBS to the FCS in 2024, landing at Jackson State. In 2024, Gardner played in nine games and started two, finishing with 12 receptions for 145 yards, averaging 12.1 yards per catch. Once again, Gardner found the end zone one time, capping off a relatively quiet statistical season.
In 2025, Gardner took a step forward, catching 32 passes for 483 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games. With one year of eligibility remaining, he now looks to make his mark at Michigan State.
Returning to his home state of Michigan, the Cass Tech graduate now joins the Spartans in East Lansing, bringing both experience and a chance at a fresh start closer to home.
There was likely no coincidence that the addition of another receiver came mere hours after the conclusion of Saturday’s Spring Showcase, where the Spartans gave fans who braved the cold, rain, and wind a look at the team. It wasn’t the usual Green vs. White setup with a full, live game, but rather a showcase—a way to give the Spartans a rough look at the first draft of this roster.
The Spartans are going through a full program revamp from top to bottom. They’re also dealing with some injuries, so fans were instead treated to a highlighted practice with solid work from both sides, and a chance to see Alessio Milivojevic spin the ball around to his receivers.
Yet after watching that, it became clear the Spartans need more strength at the wide receiver position.
They’ll have freshman Samson Gahs joining once he arrives from high school, but they need more help than that.
Pat Fitzgerald heavily targeted special teams, the trenches, and the rushing attack during the portal cycle this season, which left a noticeable gap at the wideout position. That gap is something the staff is now working to address—even if it’s coming later than expected.
There are no concrete starters at the position right now, especially with top receiver Nick Marsh, who led the room over the past two years, leaving for Indiana this offseason. That departure only magnifies the need for players who can step in and contribute right away.
Now, Gardner will come in with one year of eligibility left and will have to prove everything early and often. The opportunity is there, but so is the pressure. For a team still finding its identity, adding a player like Gardner could end up being more important than it first appears on paper.