Spartans are considered the biggest losers in the 2024 college football transfer portal

Since becoming the coach of Michigan State football, Jonathan Smith and his coaching staff have lost many players to the transfer portal.

They struggled to retain talent in their squad upon arrival and struggled to attract new talent quickly. The transfer portal can be a lifeline for college football programs in Michigan State's situation. However, the transfer portal was anything but kind to the Spartans.

Chris Hummer of 247Sports believes the Spartans were the biggest losers in the transfer portal during the offseason, with few teams in the country seeing as much turnover on their roster as Michigan State.

“The biggest loser of the spring window is without question,” Hummer said. “It’s Michigan State.”

Hummer says that while coach Smith is off to a great start, things have slowed down for the Spartans.

“The Spartans had a lot of momentum in the winter window,” Hummer said. “Jonathan Smith made a positive impression upon his arrival and ten players who had originally entered the portal decided to withdraw.

“Great, right? However, they didn't stay away from the portal for long. Four of those 10, including key starters DTs Derrick Harmon and Simeon Barrow, decided to re-enter the portal. They weren't alone. Also departing are Jaden Mangham, a long-time starter at safety, and Bai Jobe, the top 2023 recruit, as well as several other former starters and key depth players.”

Hummer explained the magnitude of the losses suffered by the Spartans.

“These are serious setbacks, especially at defensive tackles where there is no way to replace them in the spring portal window,” Hummer said. “And even when Michigan State tried and added popular Stephen F. Austin DT transfer Brandon Lane, the two sides parted ways.”

The Spartans had some signings that could help turn things around, but they still need to make more additions.

“Michigan State has had some wins,” Hummer said. “We added a top 2024 talent in Andrew Dennis, who was considered the No. 5 IOL in the country when he signed with Illinois out of high school a few months ago. The Spartans also beat Alabama for sought-after CB transfer Ed Woods.”

“Overall, however, the Spartans lost more talent than they gained. That’s a rarity in an era when Power Four teams, especially big spenders like Michigan State, rarely lose their top players to the portal.”

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