It’s been a busy day for Michigan State football with players deciding to transfer right before the portal opens in a couple of days.
The Spartans lost Kristian Phillips, Chrishon McCray, Jalen Thompson, Cole Dellinger, and Evan Boyd alone on Wednesday, marking the start of a new era. Pat Fitzgerald must be cleaning house because there are some interesting names in the portal with projected starters leaving.
The transfers that have hurt the most have been Michael Masunas, Nick Marsh, and McCray. Those three pass-catchers departing will require replacements of equal of greater caliber, but I’m not sure that’s possible with Marsh gone.
Still, there’s a chance that Courtney Hawkins could get Marsh to return.
Wide receiver has arguably been the hardest hit position on the team with two projected contributors and a WR1 leaving, but there’s still some talent left on the roster.
Who does Michigan State still have left at receiver?
Alante Brown.
Omari Kelly.
Nick Marsh.
Rod Bullard Jr.
Evan Boyd.
Chrishon McCray.
All of those rotational receivers will be gone next season due to lack of eligibility or transferring out, leaving Michigan State’s receiver room rather empty.
So who do the Spartans get back?
Bryson Williams and Charles Taplin are the only receivers returning who have caught a pass at the collegiate level, and they each had one catch for eight yards in 2025. It’s pretty clear that Michigan State is going to have to hit the portal in January and land probably 5-6 receivers with 2-3 being legit starters.
Outside of Williams and Taplin who were both true freshmen in 2025, Michigan State brings back Braylon Collier who’s a promising young wideout and Zach Washington is coming in with the 2026 class.
Rai’shawn Elmore is also signed to the Spartans’ 2026 class and Samson Gash is committed, but he has yet to sign.
This is probably the least experienced receiver room in the Big Ten as it currently stands.
Time to learn transfer portal.