With Pat Fitzgerald stepping in as the new head coach at Michigan State, it’s no surprise to see some early roster movement-particularly among the walk-ons brought in by the previous regime under Jonathan Smith. These kinds of transitions often come with a reshuffling of the depth chart, as new coaching staffs look to bring in their own guys, especially when it comes to developmental players and preferred walk-ons.
One of those players entering the portal is Grant Calcagno, a preferred walk-on wide receiver from Rochester Hills. Calcagno originally chose to walk on at Michigan State despite holding offers from smaller programs like Northwood, Albion, and Siena Heights. That choice speaks to his ambition-taking a shot at proving himself in a Power Five environment rather than settling for a guaranteed spot at a smaller school.
Now, with the coaching change, Calcagno is betting on himself again. By entering the transfer portal, he’s looking for a new opportunity-ideally one that comes with a scholarship and a clearer path to playing time.
From the practice film he’s posted, Calcagno appears to have lined up primarily at receiver for the Spartans. The tape shows a player with solid hands, good route-running instincts, and a willingness to work across the middle. While he didn’t see game action at MSU, the film gives a glimpse of a guy who’s been grinding behind the scenes, trying to earn his shot.
For players like Calcagno, the transfer portal offers a second chance to find the right fit. Whether it’s a smaller program that can offer him a scholarship or a system that better suits his skill set, this move could be a stepping stone toward more meaningful reps and a bigger role.
As Michigan State continues to reshape its roster under Fitzgerald, we can expect more movement-both in and out. That’s the nature of the modern college football landscape.
For walk-ons and fringe contributors, it’s all about finding the right opportunity. And for Calcagno, this next chapter could be the one that finally gives him the platform to show what he can do on Saturdays.