Michigan State’s offseason rebuild just got a lot tougher.
On Monday afternoon, standout wide receiver Nick Marsh announced he’s entering the transfer portal, delivering a significant blow to a Spartans offense already bracing for major transition. Marsh, who led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns this past season, leaves behind a growing legacy in East Lansing-and a big hole in the lineup.
The timing of Marsh’s decision comes shortly after Michigan State made a coaching change, parting ways with Jonathan Smith and bringing in former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald inherits a roster in flux, and losing the top target in the passing game is the kind of early setback that underscores just how steep the climb will be.
Marsh posted 59 catches for 662 yards and six touchdowns this season, showing flashes of the high-ceiling talent that made him one of the most exciting young receivers in the Big Ten. With two years of eligibility left, there's a strong possibility he plays just one more season before making the jump to the NFL.
And it’s not just Marsh. The Spartans also saw running back Makhi Frazier enter the portal Sunday night, adding to the roster churn. As of now, those are the only two players who’ve officially declared their intent to leave, but the portal doesn’t officially open until January 2, so more departures could be on the way.
Marsh finishes his Michigan State career with exactly 100 catches, 1,311 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns-impressive numbers, especially considering he did it in just two seasons. A four-star recruit out of River Rouge High School, Marsh committed to MSU in July 2023 under then-head coach Mel Tucker. He took official visits to Colorado and Georgia Tech, but never decommitted, likely influenced by the presence of wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins, who stayed on staff even after the coaching change.
His breakout moment came early. In just the second game of his true freshman season, Marsh exploded for eight catches, 194 yards, and a touchdown on the road at Maryland-a performance that still ranks among the best by a true freshman in school history. That game helped launch a season in which he broke the Spartans’ single-season receiving record for a freshman, cementing his status as a rising star.
While he didn’t match that kind of explosive output in 2025, Marsh grew into a more consistent presence in the offense. Outside of a dip in production late in the year, he remained the clear No. 1 option for Michigan State’s quarterbacks. His departure leaves a major question mark for Fitzgerald and the offensive staff heading into 2026.
There’s no doubt Marsh will draw plenty of attention from programs across the country. He brings size, route-running polish, and proven production-all things that translate well at the next level, whether that’s a new college program or eventually the pros.
For Michigan State, this is the kind of roster shake-up that comes with a coaching transition. But make no mistake: losing a player like Marsh isn’t just part of the process-it’s a major hit. The Spartans will need to get creative, aggressive, and maybe a little lucky to replace what he brought to the field.