Michigan State Misses Out on FCS Star Nico Brown, Faces WR Depth Test
Michigan State’s pursuit of one of the top wide receivers in the transfer portal came up short Wednesday night, as Yale standout Nico Brown announced his commitment to Stanford. The Spartans had been in the mix for weeks, hoping to land the FCS All-American, but ultimately, Brown chose the Cardinal after taking multiple visits.
It’s a tough loss for Michigan State, especially given Brown’s production at Yale. He put up over 1,000 receiving yards last season and averaged more than 100 yards per game - numbers that translate at any level. The Spartans, who are reshaping their offense under Pat Fitzgerald, could’ve used a proven playmaker like Brown to stabilize a wide receiver room that’s been hit hard by departures.
Brown’s decision to go from one elite academic institution to another makes sense for his long-term future. If football doesn’t pan out, he’s setting himself up for success off the field. From a football standpoint, though, Michigan State offered a chance to be a featured weapon in a Big Ten offense that’s in desperate need of one.
WR Depth Chart Looking Thin
With Brown off the board, Michigan State’s staff will need to keep working the portal - because the need for wide receiver help isn’t going away anytime soon.
The Spartans return Chrishon McCray, who’s shown flashes and could emerge as a WR1, but the losses are significant. Nick Marsh, Omari Kelly, and Rod Bullard are all gone.
Tight ends Michael Masunas and Jack Velling are also out, which only adds to the pass-catching void. That’s a lot of production - and experience - walking out the door.
There are some intriguing pieces. Braylon Collier and Bryson Williams return, and the 2026 recruiting class brings in Zachary Washington and potentially Samson Gash. The portal has already delivered Fred Moore and KK Smith, but outside of McCray, there’s not a lot of proven production in the room.
That puts wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins in a pressure spot. This might be his most challenging offseason yet - not just to develop young talent, but to find immediate contributors who can step in and perform.
What’s Next?
The portal window is still open, and it’s hard to imagine Michigan State standing pat. There’s talent in the room, but not much depth, and very little experience. That’s a tough combination for any offense, especially one trying to find its identity under a new regime.
McCray and Collier have the tools to break out - and if they do, that changes the outlook in a hurry. But banking on upside alone is risky business in the Big Ten. Expect Fitzgerald and his staff to stay active in the portal, with wide receiver remaining a top priority.
Missing out on Nico Brown stings. But the offseason is far from over - and Michigan State’s work in the portal likely isn’t either.