Five potential Michigan State transfer portal targets for Deion Sanders

A number of players are about to have the opportunity to take their talents elsewhere

Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Mel Tucker has now been fired for cause by Michigan State. Whether or not they can truly enforce the “for cause” contract breach is really just a conversation for Tucker and his representation. Most of the time, the two parties negotiate a settlement and go on their way.

None of that matters at all to Colorado. But, what can impacts the Buffs is potentially a good number of  talented players jumping into the transfer portal. Keep in mind, none of these players have committed to transferring but with their coach officially terminated, they do have an immediate transfer window available to them.

Here are five players that could help Colorado and Deion Sanders immediately.

Zion Young Sophomore (6’6, 265 lbs) Defensive Lineman: Former 3 star recruit out of Atlanta. He has one and a half sacks in 2023.  The bad side is he was one of seven players charged in that ugly tunnel assault incident last season in the Spartans game vs. Michigan. With that now behind him, following a plea deal, perhaps a fresh start somewhere else might be appealing.

Antonio Gates Jr. Redshirt Freshman (6’2, 195 lbs) Wide Receiver: Son of future (and possibly very near future) Hall-of-Fame inductee Antonio Gates. He sat out last season but has three catches and a touchdown through the first four games. He would be an amazing addition and would certainly benefit from the culture that Coach Prime has established. Nowhere in college football has more sons of NFL players than Boulder, Colorado. His name would not be the focus, his productivity could help win championships.

Charles Brantley Junior (6’0, 170 lbs) Cornerback: I would think he’s the student athlete most likely to enter the transfer portal. He was already entered for about a 48 hour stretch earlier this Spring. He also could declare for the draft in April, 2024. Brantley has battled through some injury issues throughout his career including, most recently, an “upper body” issue that forced him to miss the team’s last game vs. Maryland

Eddie Pleasant III Freshman (5’11, 175) Cornerback: From social media posts, he seems happy in East Lansing. Former 3 star recruit from Tampa. Likely redshirt candidate for 2023.

Brandon Baldwin Redshirt Sophomore (6’7, 315) Offensive Tackle: A starter with a big upside. Will he want to leave?  Who knows? But, he’s definitely worth inquiring about.