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Grading the 2024 Michigan State football transfer class as the season wraps up

We dive into the best and worst of Jonathan Smith's first transfer class.

By Brandon Martinez

Michigan State's Jordan Turner, left, talks with Aidan Chiles as they head to the locker room after defeating Purdue on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Michigan State's Jordan Turner, left, talks with Aidan Chiles as they head to the locker room after defeating Purdue on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Jalen Satchell, DT: C

Jalen Satchell has spent more time on the field than both Roberts and Buckley in the defensive line rotation, however, he has not produced much better than the two with only four pressures, one sack, and two run stops.

Ed Woods, CB: B-

The first starter mentioned, Ed Woods came to MSU actually off of the bench against FAU in Week 1. He was quickly promoted to starter in Week 2 and has remained one as other members of the secondary have gone down to injuries. As a staple of the cornerback room in 2024, Woods has had an up-and-down season with the Spartans but has gotten better as the year has gone on. With the second-most snaps on the defense, he has contributed five pass breakups and a sack, while allowing just 272 yards, but a 119.6 passer rating.

Nikai Martinez, S: B

Speaking of transfers with high snap counts, Nikai Martinez served as the player with the most snaps on defense in 2024. With the lofty expectations of replacing the production of then-beloved Spartan Jaden Mangham, he has done a solid job fulfilling those duties. Thus far, he has logged five pressures, two interceptions, two pass breakups, a 71.2 coverage grade according to PFF, and has allowed just a 63.5 opponent passer rating.

Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams, RB: A-

The lightning of the Spartan backfield, Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams has become a fan-favorite amongst Spartan fans. If you've watched KLA run, you know that even if he is met in the backfield, he will fight for every last yard he can get. The transfer back averaged 3.19 yards after contact per carry this year and has forced 40 (!!!) missed tackles on just 138 touches. He has logged 580 rushing yards on 4.7 yards per carry so far this year and has been the perfect compiment to lead back Nathan Carter.

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