MSU’s Portal Wishlist: From Receivers to Snappers
Michigan State’s transfer portal haul has reached 22 commitments, yet Pat Fitzgerald’s Spartans still seek reinforcements at key spots. The offense needs an outside wide receiver with production beyond slot duties; interior and edge rushers on defense remain unproven at the Power Four level; and the team still lacks a reliable long snapper after both specialists entered the portal. With notable departures like Alex VanSumeren (to USC) and Nick Marsh, MSU has targeted FCS and Group of Five talent—visiting Yale’s Nico Brown (1,085 yards, 11 TDs) and Middle Tennessee’s Nahzae Cox (473 yards, 5 TDs). Yet filling those final gaps will be crucial before the class window closes on Jan. 16.
Spartan fans, rejoice! Nothing says “we’ve got this under control” like publicly advertising your weaknesses in prime digital real estate. It’s like airing your dirty laundry on the campus quad—audacious, bold, and guarantees that every rival’s recruiter gets a free cheat sheet. But fear not: Fitzgerald’s already scouring the portal for the perfect long snapper so seamless that even the average fan won’t notice him—because heaven forbid someone actually remember a name other than the star quarterback’s. After all, if you can’t plug every hole, at least you can keep us entertained with a revolving door of hopefuls. Go Green, Go White, Go Recruit!
Puck Predicament: Spartans Stung in Buckeye Split
Second-ranked Michigan State dropped the rubber match of a weekend series at Ohio State, falling 2-1 after splitting with the Buckeyes. Freshman goalie Sam Hillebrandt turned aside 26 of 27 Spartan shots in Game 2, while MSU’s Porter Martone added his 14th goal of the year. A lopsided faceoff win (40-23) and timely strikes by OSU’s Nathan Lewis and Davis Burnside sealed the upset. The loss drops MSU to 15-5-0 overall and 6-4-0 in Big Ten play, pushing the Spartans to third place. Next up: a road series at No. 3 Wisconsin on Jan. 15-16.
Ah yes, nothing quite says college hockey heartache like overthinking the faceoff circles—because who needs puck possession when you can perfect the art of passing blame? The Spartans’ power play must have taken a coffee break, giving Hillebrandt a chance to audition for “Goalie of the Year: Relentless Rejection Edition.” Meanwhile, the coaching staff probably spent the intermission drafting a 37-point plan to improve morale, only to realize they forgot to include “actually score.” Onward to Madison, where the Badgers will certainly teach MSU the fine art of turning puck luck into a survival guide.
Fitzgerald’s Quick-Change Act: Adapting to Spartan Style
Following Pat Fitzgerald’s hiring after a three-year hiatus, Michigan State faced skepticism over his ability to assemble a staff, navigate NIL, and use the transfer portal. So far, Fitzgerald has hired regionally rooted coordinators—Nick Sheridan (offense) and Joe Rossi (defense)—and added former Northwestern OC Mike Bajakian as quarterbacks coach. He’s also aggressively used the portal, securing 20+ commitments by mid-window without flashy overspending. These moves signal early promise as MSU aims to revive its on-field identity and avoid the pitfalls of past regimes.
Miracles do happen: a coach returns from exile and, shock of shocks, actually hires local talent and uses the portal? Someone alert the Athletic Department—they’re missing out on viral TikTok dances and overpriced NIL deals. Fitzgerald’s “too-cool-for-school” approach to not overspending is either fiscal genius or sheer thriftiness—one can only hope he’s simply withholding funds to surprise us with a lavish locker-room hot tub. But truly, nothing screams “winning” like regional hires who’ve watched the Big Ten from their backyard. Let’s hope they can turn these gingerly chosen puzzle pieces into championship-grade chaos.
D-Tackle Hero Simmons Recharges Spartan Line
Sophomore defensive tackle Derrick Simmons announced his return to Michigan State, bolstering a defensive front that’s lost up to 14 linemen to the portal or graduation. The 6‐foot‐3, 297-pound Frankenmuth product preserved his redshirt last season and now projects as a key rotational piece under Joe Rossi’s unit. As one of five young defenders Rossi earmarked as future leaders, Simmons’ re-signature maintains continuity in the trenches amid an active transfer period.
Give it up for college football’s newest announcement ritual: “I’m back!”—a phrase once reserved for action heroes and boy bands, now repurposed for campus line play. Simmons’ Instagram post probably included six hashtags, a Boomerang, and a surprise cameo from the defensive coordinator’s dog. Meanwhile, the rest of the portal-bound linemen are likely drafting their own return statements—complete with choreographed hand signs. But fear not: Simmons’ redshirt status means we get four more seasons of seeing him learn how to tackle before actually making an impact. Spartan savior, indeed.
Speedy Irishman Joins Spartan Receiving Corps
Michigan State landed Notre Dame wideout KK Smith via the transfer portal to add big-play speed. The 6-foot, 176-pound receiver tallied 11 catches for 161 yards and two TDs over 17 games at South Bend, including 34- and 31-yard grabs this season. Smith and fellow transfer Fredrick Moore will benefit from expanded roles under OC Nick Sheridan and WR coach Courtney Hawkins. Both are set to face their former teams—Notre Dame and Michigan—on the 2026 road slate.
Ah, the portal parade marches on! First, Michigan gives you curry, then Notre Dame gives you Smith—because who doesn’t want a former backup stuffed into their new depth chart? If MSU’s offense were a buffet, Smith is the late-night leftover that somehow tastes better with more hot sauce. Expect him to break free on some gadget play while the rest of the room still unpacks their helmets. And mark your calendars: the only thing more entertaining than portal pickups is watching them run routes against their old homes, like a family reunion where you steal all the potato salad.
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