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Michigan State football: 3 players who (probably) won’t be back in 2024

By Josh Yourish

Sep 30, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Noah Kim (10) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Noah Kim (10) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State wide receiver Tyrell Henry, left, celebrates a touchdown against wide receiver Antonio Gates Jr. during the second half of MSU’s 31-9 loss on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in East Lansing.
Michigan State wide receiver Tyrell Henry, left, celebrates a touchdown against wide receiver Antonio Gates Jr. during the second half of MSU’s 31-9 loss on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in East Lansing. /

2. Antonio Gates Jr.

In 2022, Gates was a four-star recruit and one of Mel Tucker’s best signings, especially given the big name. As a redshirt freshman this season, Gates has only made five catches and played in three games. The team would be right to feel underwhelmed, but so would Gates.

The situation at Michigan State is a mess and Gates just watched Keon Coleman, a 2021 four-star receiver transfer to a contending team and blossom into a future first-round draft pick. In Coleman’s last year at MSU he put up 798 yards and seven touchdowns, so Gates’ production is far off, but name recognition counts for something and it’ll help Gates attract more attention in the portal.

It won’t be a massive loss for Michigan State, but this is a roster devoid of NFL talent, so it was nice to at least have an NFL name.

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