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10 ideal transfer portal targets for Michigan State football heading into offseason

By Brandon Martinez

Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith talks the media on the first national signing day for college football recruits Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith talks the media on the first national signing day for college football recruits Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The 2025 high school recruiting class is essentially all wrapped up for Michigan State football aside from some likely late signees, but the bulk of the class is locked in. But, in this day and age, high school recruiting is almost the lesser of importance for schools compared to the transfer portal.

There were several contributors and some non-contributors for the Spartans and all other teams alike. Some elevated teams to great heights, including Arizona State, who are seeded fourth in the new College Football Playoff format, led by former Spartan quarterback Sam Leavitt.

Everyone is also aware of how Indiana has been able to flip everything around through their utilization of the portal as well.

The transfer portal is going to be key if Michigan State wants to make a bowl game for the first time since 2021. They will have to attack it hard at some key positions like wide receiver, running back, and offensive line, just to name a couple.

In the spirit of rumors and potential fits, let's get into some names I would like to see Jonathan Smith pursue in order to get this team trending positively into the 2025 season.

1. Eli Sanders, RB, New Mexico

While there are plenty of recognizable names in the Michigan State running back room, there is very minimal production or experience in general among the group. Currently, the scholarship backs on the roster include soon-to-be-sophomores Makhi Frazier and Brandon Tullis, who combined for a whopping 14 carries for 41 yards in 2024, and incoming three-stars Zion Gist and Jace Clarizio.

I love the potential with the group, but this team needs someone with more of a track record of production at the collegiate level. One of the best options in the portal right now is Eli Sanders out of New Mexico. The 5-foot-11, 194-pound ball-carrier rushed for over 1,000 yards last season on an incredible 7.2 yards per carry. That's top-five in the country for runners with at least 100 carries.

Better yet, he is scheduled to visit MIchigan State this week, so hopefully Jonathan Smith and Co. make a great impression.

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