Michigan State's wide receiver room is poised for a shake-up this season, and someone will need to step up to fill the void left by key departures. The Spartans, traditionally strong at the wideout position, find themselves in a transitional phase. Notre Dame transfer KK Smith is one of the players in the spotlight, ranked No. 21 on the top 30 players list for the 2026 season, and there's a lot riding on his shoulders.
The departure of top receiver Nick Marsh to Indiana via the transfer portal, coupled with Omari Kelly exhausting his eligibility, has left Michigan State with some big shoes to fill. Additionally, Evan Boyd's transfer to Iowa State further thins the ranks.
The Spartans' most experienced returning receiver is Chrishon McCray, who, despite flirting with the transfer portal himself, remains a crucial piece of the puzzle. Last season, McCray was a reliable slot receiver, notching 24 catches for 330 yards and three touchdowns.
While McCray's return is a relief, the Spartans didn't entirely replace the lost production through the transfer portal. Alongside Smith, Michigan State brought in Fredrick Moore from Michigan and Jameel Garder Jr. from Jackson State. All three transfers are relatively untested at the Power Four level, making their development crucial for the Spartans' success.
Smith, despite some limitations during spring and missing the "Spring Showcase," appears to be the most promising of the new recruits. His time at Notre Dame was limited, but a fresh start in East Lansing, with two years of eligibility left, offers him a chance to shine. Smith's versatility allows him to play both X and Z receiver roles, though his stature and style might suit him better as a Z.
Gardner, who joined the Spartans after a stint at Jackson State, brings experience from his time as the third wide receiver there, where he racked up 482 yards and two touchdowns. His history with McCray, dating back to their days at Kent State, adds an interesting dynamic to the mix.
Moore, on the other hand, is eager to prove himself after limited action at Michigan. With just 15 catches for 160 yards and one touchdown under his belt, he's looking to carve out a bigger role in the Spartans' offense.
Smith's previous performances at Notre Dame show glimpses of his potential. His two touchdowns last season, against N.C.
State and Navy, highlight his ability to exploit defenses when given space. At 6'0" and 180 pounds, Smith's frame is similar to that of former Spartan Kelly, suggesting he might fit well as a Z receiver, where he can use his agility to navigate defenses.
As for the X receiver spot, which typically demands speed and physicality, Michigan State might look towards four-star freshman Samson Gash or redshirt freshman Charles Taplin. Both bring the speed that could complement Smith's skill set.
Smith's journey from a well-regarded high school prospect to a key transfer for Michigan State underscores the potential impact he could have. Ranked 546th overall in the class of 2023, he chose Notre Dame over Texas Tech and now finds himself with an opportunity to make a significant impact in the Spartans' offense.
As the season approaches, Michigan State's wide receiver corps will be under the microscope, and the development of Smith, along with his fellow transfers and returning players, will be pivotal in determining the team's offensive success.
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