2. Charles Brantley, CB
OK, hear me out. This probably has nothing to do with not trusting Jonathan Smith but rather the fact that he just lost the position coach who turned his career around. Demetrice Martin's departure may have a bigger impact on the roster than we had hoped when he announced he would be leaving for UCLA as current defensive backs may reconsider their status within the program.
Brantley had a career year with the Spartans in 2024 and was an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection. He did miss the last three games of the season due to an injury and still earned some recognition from the conference.
Still, losing his position coach and flirting with the transfer portal in each of the past two offseasons just makes this feel like an inevitability.
I have no doubts that Brantley loves Michigan State and I wouldn't be shocked to see him ultimately stay because he has been vocal about his support for the current coaching staff, but he could opt to spend his final season closer to home in Florida or potentially follow Martin to UCLA. We know just how much Martin meant to Brantley (remember the picture he took with Oregon players and Martin following that game in Eugene?) so it wouldn't be a complete shock.
File this one under "I hope he stays" but there's at least a chance he flirts with the portal.