The Michigan State football receiving corps going into the 2025 season is one of the best in the Big Ten. After a rough 2024 season, the wide receiver room has done an extraordinary 180 and now is probably the best unit on the team.
Last season, we saw an absolutely phenomenal freshman season from in-state four-star recruit Nick Marsh, putting up 649 yards and three touchdowns on 41 receptions. It was extremely clear last season that Marsh and quarterback Aidan Chiles have great chemistry in the passing game. But behind the freshman phenom, the rest of the room was mediocre at best in 2024.
Wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins was extremely aggressive in the transfer portal. The former NFL vet has had a pretty good track record at Michigan State recruiting, and developing talent ever since he joined the staff in 2020. This year, he brought in a plethora of transfers, including Omari Kelly from Middle Tennessee State and Chrishon McCray from Kent State, two highly sought-after wideouts.
Kelly is a former four-star recruit who started off his career at Auburn. He eventually transferred to Middle Tennessee State where he had a breakout season in 2024, putting up a stat line of 53 catches for 869 yards and four touchdowns.
McCray has had an amazing first two seasons at Kent State. The Avon, Ind., product racked up 81 receptions for 1,315 yards and 13 touchdowns in his first 20 games as a Golden Flash.
Between a returning stud in Nick Marsh and the additions of Kelly and McCray, Michigan State's wide receiver room is one of the best in the Big Ten.
Kelly and McCray might have to make an adjustment moving to the power four level, but their talent is undeniable. Kelly brings a nice all-around game and McCray has speed and shiftiness as a slot receiver to create yards after the catch.
Courtney Hawkins also brought in some valuable depth pieces this offseason. Rodney Bullard was a Division II standout at Valdosta State, catching 41 passes for 1,001 yards and 12 touchdowns. He brings speed to the room and the ability to return kicks. He also brought in Evan Boyd, a big-bodied receiver from Central Michigan. As a freshman last season, Boyd posted a line of 21 catches for 302 yards and two touchdowns. He has an opportunity to provide depth for the Spartans while continuing to develop under a former NFL wideout. In the coming years, he could blossom into a starter.
Between the phenomenal transfer portal class of wide receivers, the return of Nick Marsh and tight end Jack Velling, the likely improvement of the offensive line, and quarterback Chiles means that the Michigan State offense should be in for a breakout season in 2025.