Spartans’ Star Exodus: Top 5 Portal Losses
Michigan State’s football program is bracing for a seismic roster shake-up as 35 Spartans have already entered the transfer portal ahead of the Jan. 2–16 window. Among the losses, five names sting hardest: leading receiver Nick Marsh (two years eligibility, likely off to the NFL), promising cornerback Aydan West, reliable WR Chrishon McCray, starting RB Makhi Frazier, and ascending TE Michael Masunas. Coach Pat Fitzgerald must rebuild from what feels like a blank slate, replacing major contributors across the receiving corps, secondary, backfield, and tight end room. With departures compounding the exit of other veterans, the Spartans face dramatic turnover and a scramble to refill key roles before spring practice begins.
Brace yourselves, Spartan fans: it’s like watching your favorite pizza parlor suddenly stop making pepperoni—only to find out all the toppings have signed with the rival joint. Pat Fitzgerald’s first-year makeover is going full “extreme home makeover,” with half the cast trying out for other shows. Who knew football could feel like a bad reality series? But never fear: if MSU can recruit enough transfer Band-Aids, maybe the Spartans will still score touchdowns before this season is over… or at least before everyone forgets where East Lansing is on the map.
Cornhusker Commandos MSU Must Contain
On the hardwood, Michigan State’s Spartans travel to Lincoln to face an undefeated, No. 13 Nebraska squad riding its highest ranking in 30+ years. Tom Izzo acknowledges that Nebraska’s trio—veteran forward Rienk Mast (16.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG), sharpshooter Pryce Sandfort (16.5 PPG on 38.2% 3PT), and coach’s-son point guard Sam Hoiberg (8.6 PPG, 3.8 APG)—presents unique challenges. Mast’s seven-year collegiate odyssey, Sandfort’s deep-ball barrage, and Hoiberg’s efficient floor leadership will test MSU’s defense in a marquee Friday matchup that could define the Spartans’ early 2026 trajectory.
Welcome to Lincoln, where the Cornhuskers stack more eligibility waivers than your DMV handles excuses. Izzo’s team has faced talent before, but never quite this long in the tooth—Mast’s got enough redshirt seasons to qualify for senior citizen discounts. And if Sandfort drains another eight 3-pointers, Spartans fans might start chanting “We want shorter rims!” Meanwhile, Sam Hoiberg is proof that nepotism can actually produce a competent point guard. Strap in: it’s college hoops meets extended family reunion, with every basket feeling like a mild inheritance dispute.
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