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

Tanner Miller, C: B

Tanner Miller was brought in from Oregon State with Jonathan Smith and was expected to be not just a starting piece of the offensive line, but a contender for an All-Big Ten selection at the center position. While those expectations were lofty to begin with, he had a solid campaign, logging almost 700 snaps to date and allowing just one sack, 15 pressures, and committing only one penalty.

D'Quan Douse, DT: B+

A bit of a surprise this year, one of the more exciting and productive pickups from the portal ended up being D'Quan Douse. Douse was a key player on the defensive line, logging over 330 snaps. In those snaps, he's made 23 tackles, 21 run stops, and forced eight pressures and a sack on the quarterback. He's made several big plays for the defense and will be missed on this defense next year.

Wayne Matthews III, LB: B

One of the more prominent pickups in the portal, Wayne Matthews III has done a solid job this year after transferring in from Old Dominion in the offseason. Matthews has played almost 250 snaps and has one of the highest run defense grades on the team according to PFF. He has made 22 solo tackles, 12 assists, and 11 run stops this year.

Jordan Turner, LB: A

Spoiler: This may have been the best pickup from the portal for Coach Smith. Turner has played the fifth-most snaps on defense this year, but with every one he seems to make his presence felt. He has the highest run defense grade on the team with an elite 90.4, but has also made an impact in other facets, including forcing 10 pressures, two sacks, 41 solo tackles, 18 assists, 29 run stops, and two interceptions including a circus grab last week against Purdue to help seal the victory.