Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald is gearing up for his first serious swing through the NCAA transfer portal in years - and he’s stepping into it with a roster that’s already seen some key pieces walk out the door. A starting running back, a starting wide receiver, a projected starting tight end, a backup quarterback, and several depth contributors have all entered the portal. Now, it’s Fitzgerald’s turn to restock the shelves - and there’s no shortage of intriguing talent available.
Let’s take a closer look at a few early portal names that should be at the top of Fitzgerald’s call list - players who could make an immediate impact and help shape the next chapter of Spartan football.
Nick Marsh, WR (Michigan State)
Yes, Marsh technically just left East Lansing - but this one still deserves a look. The talented wideout entered the portal not long after Fitzgerald took over, but with Courtney Hawkins returning as wide receivers coach, there’s a new dynamic in play. Marsh, a sophomore with sky-high potential, has modeled his game after Calvin Johnson - and the physical tools are there to back it up.
Fitzgerald would be wise to make at least one more push to bring Marsh back into the fold. With Hawkins in his corner and a new staff in place, the situation has changed, and so might Marsh’s outlook. If Michigan State can pull him back, it would be a huge win for the new regime.
Jontez Williams, CB (Iowa State)
This one has a natural connection that could work in Michigan State’s favor. New cornerbacks coach Hank Poteat was just hired away from Iowa State, and he brings with him not only a strong coaching résumé but also an established relationship with Jontez Williams - a talented corner now in the portal.
Williams knows what Poteat brings to the table, and that familiarity could be a difference-maker. If Michigan State wants to boost its secondary with a player who already understands the system and coaching style, this is a move that makes a lot of sense.
Jibriel Conde, DL (Grand Valley)
Conde’s name might ring a bell for Spartan fans. He was previously on Michigan State’s radar under the previous coaching staff and was even scheduled to visit before committing to Wisconsin. That commitment didn’t stick - he flipped to Kansas - but the interest was real.
Now that Fitzgerald is in charge, it wouldn’t hurt to re-open that line of communication. Conde had a productive 2025 season at Grand Valley, racking up 30 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He’s the kind of player who could bolster the defensive front, and if the interest is mutual, this could be a solid under-the-radar addition for the Spartans.
Jahiem White, RB (West Virginia)
Don’t let the injury fool you - White might be one of the most underrated backs in the portal. A knee injury cut his 2025 season short just two games in, but his body of work prior to that speaks volumes. In his first two seasons at West Virginia, White rushed for over 800 yards each year and never dipped below 5.5 yards per carry.
That kind of efficiency doesn’t go unnoticed, and while he might not be the flashiest name available, he brings a proven track record and a physical running style that could fit well in East Lansing. With Brandon Tullis and Jace Clarizio already in the mix, White could step in as a lead back while the others compete for secondary roles.
Chaz Coleman, DE (Penn State)
Now here’s the big fish. Chaz Coleman is currently the No. 1 player in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports, and it’s easy to see why.
He flashed high-level potential in his freshman season at Penn State, and the upside is enormous. Programs across the country - including some of college football’s heavyweights - are likely already lining up for his services.
But here’s where Michigan State might have a shot: the Spartans recently hired one of the top young defensive line coaches in the country. That move alone could give them a sliver of an edge in what will be a highly competitive recruitment. Fitzgerald making the call is a no-brainer - even if the odds are long, players like Coleman can completely change a defense.
Final Thoughts
The transfer portal is a new frontier for Pat Fitzgerald at Michigan State, but it’s also a massive opportunity. With key staff additions already in place and a clear need to replenish the roster, these next few weeks could be pivotal for the Spartans’ 2026 outlook. Whether it’s rekindling a connection with a former Spartan like Nick Marsh, leaning on coaching relationships to land a player like Jontez Williams, or taking a big swing at a blue-chip talent like Chaz Coleman, Fitzgerald has options - and the chance to reshape Michigan State’s identity in a hurry.