For the second time in as many days, Michigan State football picked up a commitment from a key transfer portal player, this time in the form of Eastern Illinois defensive back NiJhay Burt.
The pickup on Thursday? Grady Kelly from Florida State.
Both newcomers to the 2025 transfer portal class should have serious impacts on the upcoming team, especially since both are coming in to help out at positions of need. The Spartans will be deeper at defensive back and on the defensive line thanks to these additions.
And Jonathan Smith isn't done.
Friday's news of Burt's addition is a big one because he was one of the most productive defensive backs in the FCS in his two years at Eastern Illinois, recording six interceptions, nine pass breakups, and 80 tackles with the Panthers. He began his career as a special teams star and then became a starting defensive back in 2024, putting up 64 total tackles and three picks.
Kelly, on the other hand, started his career at Colorado State where he had 79 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 26 career games. He then transferred to Florida State in 2024 where he had 19 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, and a pass breakup. His numbers dipped, but it felt like every Florida State player this year took a step back.
The Spartans now have two more guys with plenty of starting experience at positions of need ready to step up and prove they belong in the Big Ten.
This transfer class is coming together nicely.