Could Nick Marsh Return to Michigan State? Courtney Hawkins’ Return Adds a Twist to the Portal Drama
Michigan State has seen its fair share of talent exit via the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason, but one name stands out above the rest - sophomore wide receiver Nick Marsh. While several departures were expected and didn’t raise too many eyebrows, Marsh’s decision to enter the portal hit differently for Spartan fans. This wasn’t just another name on the list - this was a potential cornerstone player whose exit signaled more than just a roster shuffle.
Marsh, a promising young receiver, just wrapped up a solid campaign in East Lansing. But let’s be honest - his numbers didn’t tell the full story.
Michigan State’s offense struggled mightily, particularly during a brutal stretch in October when things seemed to unravel. The play-calling lacked rhythm, the quarterback situation was in flux, and the unit as a whole took a major step back.
Even after a switch at quarterback, the offense never really found its footing.
Freshman QB Alessio Milivojevic showed flashes late in the season and gave fans a glimpse of what could be, but the system around him didn’t do him - or his receivers - many favors. Marsh, despite the chaos, remained a bright spot. He showed the kind of talent that makes you think, “This kid could be special with the right pieces around him.”
So when Marsh announced his intention to enter the portal following Michigan State’s win over Maryland and the firing of head coach Jonathan Smith, it wasn’t exactly shocking - but it stung. Marsh had re-committed to Smith when he was hired, and there seemed to be mutual trust there. Once that relationship was severed, it made sense that Marsh would look for a new start.
But now, there’s a wrinkle - and his name is Courtney Hawkins.
The Hawkins Factor
On Sunday night, Michigan State made a move that could shift the conversation around Marsh’s future. New head coach Pat Fitzgerald is retaining wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins, a decision that may prove pivotal in the coming weeks. Hawkins isn’t just another assistant - he’s the coach who recruited Marsh, worked with him daily, and helped him blossom during his freshman season.
Hawkins is widely respected among the receiving corps, and Marsh is no exception. Their relationship runs deep, and if there’s anyone who could convince Marsh to give Michigan State another shot, it’s Hawkins.
Now, let’s be clear: this doesn’t guarantee a Marsh return. Far from it.
But it does reopen the door - a door that many assumed had already slammed shut. Before the Hawkins news, Marsh’s departure felt inevitable.
With Hawkins back in the fold, it’s at least a conversation worth having.
What It Would Take
If Michigan State wants to bring Marsh back, it’s going to take more than just a familiar face on the sideline. NIL will be a factor - that’s just the reality of today’s college football landscape.
But beyond that, there needs to be a clear plan for offensive improvement. Marsh is a playmaker, and he’ll want to be in a system that maximizes his skill set.
That means better quarterback play, sharper play-calling, and a vision for how he fits into the offense moving forward.
Fitzgerald and Hawkins likely know this. They’ve probably already started working behind the scenes, trying to lay the groundwork for a potential return. The Hawkins hire wasn’t just about continuity - it was a strategic move that could help retain one of the most talented players to come through East Lansing in recent years.
The Outlook
So where does that leave things? Marsh is still in the portal, and until he announces a new destination - or a return - the situation remains fluid.
But the Hawkins development changes the math. What once felt like a long shot now feels like a possibility, albeit still a challenging one.
If you’re looking for odds, it’s fair to say the chances of a Marsh return have improved - maybe not dramatically, but enough to make people take notice. There’s still a long way to go, and Michigan State will need to make a compelling case. But with Hawkins back and Fitzgerald starting to shape his staff, the Spartans are at least giving themselves a shot.
For now, it’s a waiting game. But one thing’s for sure - this story isn’t over just yet.