After recruiting FCS All-American wide receiver Nico Brown for weeks, Michigan State football got some bad news on Wednesday evening as the Yale star announced his college decision.
Brown committed to Stanford after taking a handful of visits, per Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.
The move was a but surprising because it feels like Michigan State has more to offer than the Cardinal, but he went from an Ivy League school to a school that’s essentially on the same level academically. He is setting himself up for a nice career if this football thing doesn’t work out, which you have to respect.
It would have been nice to secure a commitment from an FCS All-American wideout who had over 1,000 yards last season and averaged over 100 yards per game, especially after losing the top two receivers, but Pat Fitzgerald and Co. will have to look elsewhere for receiver help.
And receiver help is exactly what Michigan State needs.
I doubt Fitzgerald is done in the transfer portal, and I‘d be willing to bet there are more pass-catchers added this offseason.
Michigan State’s WR corps could use some help
Although the Spartans return Chrishon McCray, they do lose Nick Marsh, Omari Kelly, and Rod Bullard, and that’s not even mentioning the two tight ends they’re losing (Michael Masunas, Jack Velling). That’s a lot of pass-catchers gone from a team that didn’t exactly explode offensively.
The Spartans have McCray back as a potential WR1 option, and guys like Braylon Collier and Bryson Williams return and Zachary Washington and (potentially) Samson Gash come in with the 2026 class, so there will be some weapons, but they’re all unproven. Fred Moore comes in from the portal along with KK Smith, but missing out on Brown really hurts.
There’s some talent, not so much depth, and very little returning production in Michigan State’s wide receiver room, which makes this Courtney Hawkins’ toughest test to date.
I’m a McCray and Collier believer, though. I truly think both of those guys can be stars in 2026.
Still, adding another wideout or two in the portal will be important.