The Impact of Transfer Portal on Michigan State Football

The transfer portal has become a game-changer in college football. Michigan State is no exception. We have been a benefactor (hello Kenneth Walker) and victim (Keon Coleman, Borrow and Harmon). Below are a few thoughts on the impact of the transfer portal on Michigan State football, discussing its benefits, and challenges. 1. Increased Player Movement: The transfer portal has opened up new opportunities for players to explore their options and find the best fit for their careers. I'm all for player empowerment and them making their money. This has resulted in Michigan State seeing an influx of talented players entering the program through the portal, bringing in fresh talent and adding depth to the team. This increased player movement has allowed the coaching staff to address specific needs (QB, TE, LB) and fill gaps in the roster more efficiently. This process moves more quickly with player attrition, preferably from those not expected to make an impact. 2. Competitive Advantage: By actively utilizing the transfer portal, Michigan State has gained a competitive advantage over other programs. Coach Smith can sell the vision for now. The test will be selling it during the season, depending on the game results. By all accounts, we are competitive with NIL, have top-notch facilities, a beautiful campus (winter still sucks), a proven coaching staff, and a roster that has plenty of playing time to offer. These are the pillars to attract talented players who have already proven themselves at the collegiate level, giving the team an immediate boost. It's clear Coach Smith is targeting players' experience and specific skill sets. This raises the overall level of competition within the team and pushes everyone to perform at their best. 3. Program Flexibility: The transfer portal has given Michigan State the flexibility to adapt and evolve its roster quickly. Even with the unexpected departures of Borrow and Harmon, the staff has time to address issues to ensure what was once considered a strength doesn't become a weakness. 4. Challenges and Risks: While the transfer portal offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges and risks. The constant movement of players can disrupt team chemistry and cohesion. Building a cohesive unit becomes more challenging when players are constantly coming and going. Additionally, relying too heavily on the transfer portal can hinder the development of homegrown talent and disrupt long-term program stability. If you're going to add a player to a position group, you better be ready for players to feel threatened. I'm expecting CJS to bring in 16-20 HS players every year, knowing maybe 12-14 last. While supplementing with 8-10 portal players each off-season. Conclusion: The transfer portal has undoubtedly had a significant impact on Michigan State football. And it likely will for the foreseeable future as Smith looks to build this program his way, from the ground up. Expect more players to come in. And more importantly, to keep your fan sanity, expect more to leave. Some of them will be good players that you like, and it will hurt. However, if there's one thing Coach has shown so far, it's his ability to strike a balance between utilizing the transfer portal and retaining homegrown talent to ensure long-term success. It's clear Smith is willing to adapt and evolve around the portal and roster management as a whole, with the goal of returning the program to its rightful place, contending in the BigTen and among the Top 25.