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

8. AJ Turner, RB, Marshall

If I had to choose between Sanders and AJ Turner as my portal running back pickup, I really don't know if I could make the decision. Turner makes a strong case as the better option as he led CFB in yards per carry with a whopping 8.3 on over 100 carries.

Turner, a Marshall transfer, stands at 6-foot-0 and 195 pounds, so he's by no means a small back.

The Sun Belt standout earned second-team all-conference honors and maintains two more years of eligibility.

9. Carver Willis, OL, Kansas State

Another big-time offensive line transfer here, Carver Willis could be a great pickup for this Spartan offensive line. Willis, a Kansas State Wildcat, has only one year of eligibility remaining, but was a 2023 All-Big 12 honorable mention selection.

While he does not have as decorated of a resume as Thompson does, Willis would be a decent addition in his own right. In 2024, he struggled a bit in pass protection, allowing 25 pressures and only one sack as the starting right tackle, but where he makes his money is in the run game. In 2024, he earned a 73.2 run block grade according to Pro Football Focus.

10. Nyjalik Kelly, EDGE, UCF

An addition to the pass rush is something that certainly should be looked at for 2025. From the middle to the end of the season specifically, MSU was abysmal at pressuring the opposing quarterback, creating even more stress on the secondary, which was already beat up due to injuries.

One option in the portal would be UCF starter Nyjalik Kelly.

Kelly is not your prototypical down lineman, standing at a slender 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, but he was very productive for UCF, recording 53 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in 2024. He has only one year of eligibility remaining, but he could be the perfect option to play that stand-up edge rusher defensive coordinator Joe Rossi loves to deploy.