Jonathan Smith has knocked the 2024 transfer portal class out of the park

Jonathan Smith can coach, there's no doubt about that. He took over his alma mater which had been irrelevant in the Pac-12 for years and turned it into one of the best teams in the conference.

Smith has earned the respect of the rest of college football with his coaching prowess and his ability to develop players. His staff is also excellent at that which is why many believe this was an A+ hire by Alan Haller and Michigan State.

Although he's not considered an "ace" recruiter, Smith has done an impressive job with the 2024 class as well as the transfer portal. Actually, especially the transfer portal.

In fact, Michigan State has the No. 11 transfer class in the nation for 2024 and Smith has been red-hot this spring, even after some "experts" dubbed the Spartans "losers" in the portal.

All Smith has done is land transfers from Ed Woods (beat out Alabama), Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams, Andrew Dennis, Tyler Gillison, Ru'Quan Buckley, Marcellius Pulliam, Jalen Satchell, Lejond Cavazos, Anthony Jones, Ben Roberts, Nikai Martinez, Jeremiah Hughes, and Semaj Bridgeman this spring. That more than makes up for the losses of guys like Derrick Harmon, Simeon Barrow, GenoVanDeMark, and Jaden Mangham.

On top of these guys, Smith has landed Luke Newman, Jack Velling, Wayne Matthews III, D'Quan Douse, Tanner Miller, and Jordan Turner who could all be starters this season. Oh yeah, and Aidan Chiles.

The job he's done cannot be overstated. He knocked it out of the park and there are still a few spots remaining ahead of the 2024 season so don't be surprised if he adds another couple of impactful transfers.

The roster turnaround has been impressive.