Projected starting CB shockingly leaves Michigan State, still claims ‘SD4L’

We know the transfer portal was going to call sooner or later for Michigan State, but Wednesday has been essentially been armageddon.

Pat Fitzgerlad has been meeting with players and it seems like there have been some mutual parting of ways. Michigan State has lost about a dozen players to the portal on Wednesday, and it feels like everyone with a pulse is leaving the program.

Fortunately, only a handful have been projected starters like Michael Masunas, Nick Marsh, Martin Connington, Chrishon McCray, and now another player who looked promising in his freshman season is now entering the portal.

After hinting at a return earlier this offseason, freshman cornerback Aydan West is reportedly entering the transfer portal.

Only was report was out about West entering the transfer portal from Brian Dohn of 247Sports. It was confirmed by West, thanking Spartan Nation and also claiming “SD4L” after hitting the portal. Kind of a wild claim when you think about what the term “SD4L” actually means.

The term “SD4L” means Spartan Dawg for Life, and when you decide to transfer after your true freshman season, forced out or not, it just cannot apply.

Michigan State fans were obviously upset about the usage of that term in his transfer announcement.

Michigan State’s depth has taken a serious hit

Wednesday has not been kind to Michigan State. The portal has taken over a dozen players, and West’s departure has hit like a brick.

Many, including myself, were expecting West to take that next step in 2026 under a new staff and potentially become the Spartans’ CB1. He has the talent, and he showed promise, but now he’s going to be looking for a new home.

Now, the Spartans are down key depth pieces and potential starters like McCray, Jalen Thompson, Kristian Phillips, Wyatt Hook, Evan Boyd, and several others on Wednesday alone. Fitzgerald already knew he was going to have to hit the transfer portal on Jan. 2, but now he needs to be looking for a number of starting-caliber players.

The team’s depth has taken a hit, and losing West hurts, but the staff will address this in a couple of days.

Let’s hope Hank Poteat brings a couple of Iowa State defensive backs to East Lansing.