The NCAA transfer portal officially closed its winter window on Friday, and Michigan State saw one more name added to the long list of departures. Wide receiver Rodney Bullard Jr. became the latest Spartan to enter the portal, capping off a wave of movement that’s reshaped the roster heading into 2025.
Bullard, who transferred in from Valdosta State last year, spent just one season in East Lansing. He served primarily as the backup slot receiver but still managed to make his presence felt in limited opportunities.
The 6-foot, 186-pound Albany, Georgia native appeared in all 12 games for the Spartans last fall, recording five receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns. His season highlight?
A 71-yard catch-and-run score at Minnesota that showed off his burst and open-field ability. He also added an 8-yard rushing touchdown against Youngstown State, flashing some versatility in MSU’s offense.
In total, Bullard logged 131 offensive snaps in 2024 - not a massive workload, but enough to suggest he had carved out a meaningful role. Now, he’ll look for a fresh start elsewhere, joining a growing list of Spartans headed for new opportunities.
With Bullard’s departure, Michigan State has now lost four wide receivers to the portal this cycle, including top target Nick Marsh, Evan Boyd, and Alante Brown. Add in the graduation of Omari Kelly - the team’s second-leading receiver in 2024 - and it’s clear the Spartans’ receiver room is undergoing a major overhaul.
There is, however, some stability returning. Chrishon McCray, who started at slot receiver last season, briefly entered the portal himself before opting to return for his final year. That’s a big win for new head coach Pat Fitzgerald and wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins, who was retained on staff and will be tasked with rebuilding a unit that’s been gutted over the last few weeks.
Bullard came to MSU with a strong resume from his time at Valdosta State, where he redshirted in 2022 before becoming a key contributor. Over two seasons, he racked up 91 catches for 1,686 yards and 20 touchdowns - production that turned heads and earned him a shot at the FBS level. While his role at Michigan State wasn’t as prominent, his flashes suggest he still has plenty to offer at his next stop.
Since the portal opened on January 2, more than 40 players from Michigan State’s 2025 roster have entered their names - a staggering number that underscores the transitional period the program is navigating. But it’s not all outbound traffic. The Spartans have also landed commitments from nearly 30 incoming transfers this month, signaling an aggressive effort to reshape the roster under Fitzgerald’s leadership.
The dust is still settling, but one thing’s clear: Michigan State’s 2025 team will look significantly different - and the wide receiver room, in particular, is getting a full reset.