The Spartans are in the midst of a significant offensive overhaul, reshaping key parts of the roster heading into next season. Here's a breakdown of where we’ve lost ground, who we've added, and what’s still left to address.
Key Departures
Wide Receivers
Montorie Foster: With back-to-back seasons of 40+ receptions, 575+ yards, and 3 TDs, Foster was a reliable weapon. He now sets his sights on the NFL.
Aziah Johnson: The talented redshirt freshman heads to the portal, for a move closer to home. He showed promise last season with 16 receptions for 275 yards and 2 TDs and looked poised for a larger role.
Jaron Glover: A rising junior who flashed potential with 30 receptions for 455 yards and 2 TDs over two seasons. His departure creates a depth concern but also opens the door for more consistent playmakers.
Running Backs
Nate Carter: After two solid seasons in East Lansing, Carter declared for the NFL draft, leaving behind a career with 2,200+ rushing yards, 10 TDs, and 440 receiving yards. Half of that while wearing the Green and White. He's coming off a down year, but OL play was bad.
KLA: The transfer led MSU in rushing last season (649 yards on 133 carries with 2 TDs). His 4.9 yards per carry were critical for offensive balance.
Offensive Line
Luke Newman: Played/started 12 games in 2024.
Tanner Miller: Played/started 12 games in 2024.
Brandon Baldwin: Played/started 12 games in 2024.
Dallas Fincher: A depth piece with 32 career game appearances, including 12 last year. His departure doesn't hurt the starting lineup, but thins the rotational options.
Total Losses (2024 stats)
Rushing: 249 carries for 1,148 yards (4.6 YPC) and 7 TDs.
Receiving: 114 receptions for 1,363 yards and 9 TDs.
Key Additions
Running Back
Elijah Tau-Tolliver: A productive FCS transfer, Tau-Tolliver earned Honorable Mention All-Big Sky honors last year with 950 rushing yards, 7 TDs, and 38 receptions for 317 yards and 2 TDs. While the jump to the Big Ten is steep, he brings versatility and experience to a backfield in flux. While now the best RB on the roster, the staff can aim high for a true RB1, with Tau-Tolliver ideally filling RB2.
Wide Receivers
Omari Kelly: A proven playmaker with 53 receptions for 870 yards and 4 TDs last year. With one year of eligibility, he’s a seasoned option to fill the gap left by Foster and Johnson.
Chrishon McCray: A Second-Team All-MAC receiver, McCray posted 40 catches for 705 yards and 9 TDs. With two years of eligibility, his timeline aligns well with younger talents like Chiles and Marsh, providing both short- and long-term value.
Offensive Line
Caleb Carter: Adds depth and experience after 12 starts and 35 total games at the FCS level.
Luka Vincic: The Oregon State transfer has played over 300 snaps and will compete for a starting role on the interior line. With two years of eligibility, he’s a strong developmental piece.
The Verdict So Far
Despite notable losses, the portal additions have brought valuable experience, production, and depth to the offense. The incoming receivers, Kelly and McCray, are upgrades over Glover and Johnson, and Tau-Tolliver offers potential to stabilize the backfield. The offensive line moves improve competition and rotation, though more is likely needed.
What's Still Needed
RB1: While Tau-Tolliver is a solid addition, a true lead back is still a priority.
Another WR: We have WR1-3 set, but adding a proven receiver would further solidify the passing attack.
Starter-Level OL: MSU loses three starters and one depth player from last year, a combined 48 games played in 2024. While Miller was really the only "plus" player, that's still a lot of reps and production to replace. Of course, some of those reps were there due to injury. We have a handful of young players already on the roster who can step up (Ramil, Lepo, Johnson, Young, and other to-be RS SO). But to raise the floor and ceiling of this team, we need plug-and-play starters.
Smith and his staff have addressed some needs early, allowing them to be more selective as the portal window progresses. The Spartans’ offense may not be done reshaping yet, and OL needs to be the primary focus area. But the foundation is stronger at the skill positions than it was at the end of last season, and depth is at least even on the OL.
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