Pat Fitzgerald, Michigan State Predicted to Land 1,000 Yard WR in College Football Transfer Portal
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The transfer portal provides teams and coaches a new way to develop their programs into championship contenders.
This has been beneficial for many teams, but it is especially important for those welcoming a new head coach. One example is the Michigan State Spartans, who hired Pat Fitzgerald this offseason.
Fitzgerald previously spent 17 seasons at Northwestern, where he transformed the program into a competitive Big Ten team that contended for championships. He is now taking over a team that has lost 39 players to the transfer portal, but has managed to secure commitments from 25 new players so far.
He is now poised to acquire another prospect, and this player is among the best available in the transfer portal: former Yale Bulldogs star wide receiver Nico Brown. Brown had an outstanding season at Yale, recording 71 catches for 1,085 yards and 11 touchdowns. According to On3, Michigan State has a 53.4% chance to land the talented receiver, with UCLA slightly behind at 45.3%.
If Michigan State lands Brown, it would immediately upgrade a receiving room that has been hit hard by roster turnover. Brown’s production and experience would give Fitzgerald a dependable playmaker as the Spartans attempt to reestablish offensive consistency in Year 1 of the new regime.
The potential addition also reflects Fitzgerald’s broader strategy of blending high-upside transfers with proven collegiate production. After losing nearly 40 players to the portal, Michigan State has prioritized experience and leadership, particularly at skill positions that can accelerate a rebuild.
With the transfer portal window nearing its close, the Spartans are approaching a pivotal stretch in roster construction. A commitment from Brown could signal that Michigan State is ahead of schedule as it turns its focus toward spring practice and setting expectations for Fitzgerald’s first season in East Lansing.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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