Michigan State’s Transfer Count Climbs to Nine
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Outgoing Transfers Reach Nine for Michigan State
In just three weeks, the chaos of the college football transfer portal officially begins, and Michigan State is already feeling the tremors. For newcomers to the sport, the portal is a frantic two-week window each year in which players decide—sometimes suddenly, sometimes predictably—that they want a change of scenery. Coaching shifts, depth chart positioning, life circumstances, NIL opportunities, or simply wanting a better fit can send players packing.
Michigan State’s outgoing list has grown quickly. What was seven names just a day ago now sits at nine, with DB Justin Denson Jr. and LB Semaj Bridgeman becoming the latest to announce plans to transfer.
Denson, a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility left, was once a highly anticipated defensive back with offers from Alabama, Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee, Penn State, Ole Miss, and more. Standing 6’2” and 194 pounds, he appeared in eight games as a true freshman in 2024 and logged 13 tackles. Despite the buzz surrounding his arrival, he never found his footing in Joe Rossi’s defense. With new head coach Pat Fitzgerald making it clear that he values Rossi and moved quickly to retain him. Denson seemed to see the writing on the wall. Instead of sticking around to fight for a bigger role, he opted to find a landing spot where he can make a more immediate impact.
Joining him is linebacker Semaj Bridgeman, a major contributor on special teams. Bridgeman, who originally committed to Michigan in 2022 before transferring to MSU in 2024, played 182 special teams snaps in 2025—second most on the entire roster. He appeared in all 12 games, working on kick return, kick coverage, punt return, and punt coverage units. Defensively, he saw 51 snaps across nine games and posted a solid 64.4 defensive grade via PFF. Though not a defensive cornerstone, he was a valuable role player and consistent special teamer.
Here are the nine Spartans who have entered the portal:
- RB Makhi Frazier – Leading rusher in 2025
- WR Nick Marsh – Leading receiver in 2024 & 2025
- G Gavin Broscious – Allowed zero sacks in 2025
- EDGE Stone Chaney
- DB Jeremiah Hughes
- S Tracy Revels
- OL Rashawn Rogers
- DB Justin Denson Jr.
- LB Semaj Bridgeman
Not all departures are created equal. While the losses of Denson, Bridgeman, Hughes, Rogers, Chaney, and Revels remove depth pieces or developmental players, they were not primary contributors. The three significant departures—Frazier, Marsh, and Broscious—hit hardest.
Gavin Broscious was not only steady but excellent: zero sacks allowed in 2025, 485 offensive snaps, four starts, and standout pass-blocking grades. On a struggling offensive line, he was one of the few bright spots. Still, Fitzgerald is expected to overhaul the unit heavily and bring in “his guys,” which may soften the blow.
At running back, Makhi Frazier opened the season strong with 184 yards across the first two games and later erupted for 109 yards on 14 carries against Michigan. But injuries and the breakout of Elijah Tau-Tolliver pushed him down the depth chart, ultimately leading to his departure.
The biggest loss, however, is easily Nick Marsh. The standout wide receiver posted 59 receptions for 662 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, following up a strong freshman campaign. His chemistry with quarterback Aidan Chiles was clear. Marsh consistently produced—even amid uneven offensive play. As with Keon Coleman, Spartan fans may have to watch a talented player shine elsewhere.
More movement is surely coming. With Fitzgerald settling in, the portal wild west is just beginning for Michigan State. Stay tuned—things are only going to get more chaotic from here.
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