Pat Fitzgerald’s first spring as Michigan State’s head coach is officially in the rearview mirror and he’s focused on building his ideal roster for the 2026 season.
The new head coach has had to work his first transfer portal in since he was last leading a program back in 2022, and he’s doing a pretty good job of addressing needs. Although he’s not landing the big-money players that the LSUs, Georgias, and Ohio States of college football are signing every transfer cycle, Fitzgerald is getting guys who can help him bridge a gap.
It’s not going to be easy to catch up to the big dogs in the sport, but he’s watched Indiana build a national champion through the portal and a ton of roster changes in just two years.
Not every portal commit is going to be a superstar, but Fitzgerald knows what he’s doing and he just landed the transfer who was on campus for the spring game from Jackson State. Former Detroit Cass Tech wideout Jameel Gardner is coming home to play for the Spartans, according to Allen Trieu.
Gardner was reported as a visitor earlier this week and shortly after the Spring Showcase, he announced his decision to transfer back home.
This commitment comes after a career-best season with Jackson State, catching 32 passes for 445 yards and two touchdowns. His numbers over three seasons with Kent State (2023) and Jackson State (2024-25) aren’t exactly eye-popping, but he adds much-needed depth and experience to the room.
What does this mean for Rod Bullard Jr.?
When I first heard about this visit, I thought that it meant that the coaching staff didn’t feel great about Rod Bullard Jr. getting another year of eligibility. It turns out that they just needed some extra depth, just in case Bullard isn’t back next year.
Bullard was running with the ones during the spring showcase which means that the staff probably feels good enough to have him atop the depth chart.
Michigan State needs to scoop up all the experience at receiver that it can before the 2026 season because only one of the top six pass-catchers from last season returns.
A coach who knows how to address needs in the portal? It is possible.
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