Michigan State Sees Wave of Transfer Portal Departures as Roster Turnover Continues
With the transfer portal set to officially open on Friday, Michigan State football is already seeing a significant reshaping of its roster. On New Year’s Eve, five more Spartans - wide receivers Chrishon McCray and Evan Boyd, offensive linemen Kristian Phillips and Cole Dellinger, and defensive lineman Jalen Thompson - announced their plans to enter the portal, adding to a growing list of departures from East Lansing.
That brings the total number of Michigan State players in the portal to 24, a number that underscores just how much transition is underway within the program. This isn’t just a few players looking for more playing time or a better fit - it’s a full-scale roster reset.
Among the most notable names already in the portal is quarterback Aidan Chiles, a highly regarded talent who many expected to play a key role in the Spartans’ future. His departure raises eyebrows and suggests that whatever direction the program is heading in, it’s going to look very different than what fans saw last season.
The offensive side of the ball has been hit especially hard. In addition to Chiles, wide receiver Nick Marsh and running back Makhi Frazier are also on the move. Tight end Michael Masunas, along with offensive linemen Rashawn Rogers and Gavin Broscious, round out a group of skill and trench players who were expected to be part of Michigan State’s foundation going forward.
Defensively, the exodus has been just as impactful. Linebackers Darius Snow, Semaj Bridgeman, and Marcellius Pulliam - all of whom played meaningful snaps or carried high expectations - are now in the portal. The secondary has also been thinned out, with defensive backs Ade Willie, Justin Denson Jr., Jeremiah Hughes, George Mullins, Elisha West, and Tracy Revels all opting to explore other opportunities.
The defensive front isn’t immune either. Edge rushers Stone Chaney and Tyler Gillison are leaving, and with Jalen Thompson now also in the mix, Michigan State will be looking to rebuild both depth and experience along the line.
Even the special teams unit is taking a hit. Long snapper Kaden Schickel and kicker Connington have entered the portal as well - a reminder that no position group has been untouched during this wave of departures.
This kind of mass movement isn’t entirely unique in today’s college football landscape, especially with the transfer portal offering players more flexibility than ever. But for Michigan State, it marks a pivotal moment. Whether it’s a reflection of coaching changes, scheme shifts, or players simply seeking new opportunities, the Spartans are clearly entering a new era.
The challenge now? Rebuilding.
And fast. With the portal open and the offseason in full swing, Michigan State’s coaching staff will be tasked with not just replacing talent, but reestablishing a culture and identity in a locker room that’s seen significant turnover.
It’s a tall order - but in the ever-evolving world of college football, it’s the new normal.