NEW: Two Michigan State Football Players Enter Transfer Portal
College football's spring transfer portal window is officially open and two more Michigan State players have elected to enter their names and depart the program.
On Tuesday, an MSU spokesperson confirmed to various publications that redshirt freshman running back Jaelon Barbarin and redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Braden Miller have both entered the transfer portal. This brings Michigan State's total number of transfers out of the program up to 22 players since former head coach Mel Tucker was fired amidst the 2023 season.
Barbarin was a member of Tucker's final recruiting class in 2023. Listed as a three-star athlete, the 5-foot-9 and 180-pounder was recognized as one of the fastest players on the Spartans' roster a season ago. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see that speed displayed in the Green and White, as Barbarin played just one snap — a one-yard carry at Iowa — in his Spartan career before suffering an injury. Barbarin was not listed on Michigan State's roster as the Spartans entered spring practice, and the redshirt freshman did not participate in those practices.
Meanwhile, Miller was listed on Michigan State's spring practice roster and has been a participant over the last several weeks. The Spartans are in their final week of spring practice, which will conclude on Saturday with the "Spring Showcase" event at Spartan Stadium (2 p.m. ET), in lieu of a traditional spring game. A three-star prospect out of Aurora (Colo.) Eaglecrest in the class of 2022, Miller redshirted his first season in East Lansing before appearing in three games for the Spartans last season.
Barbarin and Miller are the second and third Michigan State players to enter the transfer portal during the spring window, joining redshirt sophomore linebacker Ma'a Gaoteote, who also did not participate in spring practice with the Spartans.
It's likely Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith and his staff will be active in the transfer portal this spring as they look to supplement their roster ahead of the 2024 season. A few positions the Spartans could look to actively recruit include linebacker, wide receiver, offensive line, defensive back and others.
The Michigan State Spartan Football Spring Green and White Game (Spring Showcase) will be held at the High Cathedral of the Spartan Nation, Spartan Stadium, on April 20, 2024, at 2 p.m.
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