BREAKING: Michigan State Transfer Commit Snubs Spartans, Flips To Arkansas
Just 11 days after giving a verbal commitment to Mel Tucker and Michigan State, TCU transfer cornerback Kee'yon Stewart has flipped his pledge to Arkansas.
Stewart announced his change of mind on Twitter writing, "THIS WHERE I BELONG!! #Woopig".
THIS WHERE I BELONG!! #Woopig pic.twitter.com/qQIFCgXdKz
— Kee’yon Stewart (@keeyon1k) May 17, 2023
This is just the latest development in what has been an unprecedented spring transfer portal season for the Spartans. Stewart originally committed to MSU back on May 6th, and the 6-foot, 185-pounder was expected to immediately slot in to Michigan State's two-deep rotation or perhaps even start at cornerback for the Spartans in 2023.
However, even after announcing his pledge to the Spartans, Stewart continued to receive interest and offers from other college programs. Stewart posted about that very thing to his personnel Instagram page on May 9th.
Apparently, Arkansas provided Stewart with a better offer and/or opportunity than Michigan State. While there is no official word of the name, image and likeness deal that Stewart would have earned with the Spartans, or the one he's now likely to receive from Arkansas, it stands to reason that NIL could have played a factor in Stewart ultimately changing course.
Over four seasons with the Horned Frogs, Stewart appeared in 30 games, including 13 last season ago when TCU made it all the way to the national championship game. He has recorded 46 tackles, including 1.5 for loss and a sack, 10 pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble so far in his collegiate career.
Michigan State has actively looked for defensive back help through the transfer portal this offseason. The Spartans landed Cincinnati transfer safety and Detroit native Armorion Smith in late April, adding depth for secondary coach Harlon Barnett. Also, back in December, the Spartans brought in Wisconsin transfer cornerback Semar Melvin, who participated in spring practice for MSU.
The Spartans return starting cornerback Charles Brantley, who briefly entered the transfer portal on April 30th before withdrawing his name roughly 48 hours later. In addition to Melvin, other candidates for playing time at cornerback include redshirt junior Marqui Lowry, sophomores Dillon Tatum and Ade Willie, redshirt freshman Caleb Coley and true freshman Chance Rucker, among others.
For an updated look at Michigan State's incoming and outgoing transfers, click here.
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