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

4. Josh Thompson, OL, Northwestern

It was clear the offensive line struggled down the stretch for Michigan State football.

There were some solid pieces including transfers Tanner Miller and Luke Newman, however, those two, which are largely seen as the best pieces of last year's line, are graduating. There are some intriguing names on the roster still, including former four-stars Stanton Ramil and Rustin Young, along with Cole Dellinger, Ashton Lepo, and Andrew Dennis, however, this line needs more proven talent to feel a little more comfort and allowing the young guys to have a little more time to develop before facing Big Ten competition.

Josh Thompson is one of the best offensive line options in the portal and has a visit set up with Michigan State already. The Northwestern standout is also expected to visit Auburn, Ohio State, Michigan, LSU, and others, if that tells you anything. He is from the Mitten, so hopefully that gives Michigan State a bit of an edge, but being an all-conference lineman, we should expect a lot of competition there.

5. Jacob Manu, LB, Arizona

I really like some of the young guns in this linebacker room. I firmly believe Jordan Hall is an NFL talent and Brady Pretzlaff will develop into a contributor as early as next season. However, I'd like to see one more veteran added to this group with standout transfer Jordan Turner and senior Cal Haladay graduating.

Jacob Manu is one of the most productive linebackers in the portal thus far. He broke out in 2023, putting together an All-Pac-12 first-team season, logging over 200 tackles, 7.5 sacks, six pass deflections, and an interception during his time with Arizona. The catch here is Manu suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 8, but he should be ready to return in the summer.