Status of Michigan State football defensive players who have entered the transfer portal

The Michigan State football team lost a total of 38 players from last season to the transfer portal during the offseason, leaving Spartans coach Jonathan Smith with his hands full trying to restore his program’s relevance.

The defense in particular took a heavy hit in the offseason after losing many key players. In total, the unit lost 15 players to the portal.

Let’s look at all the defensive players who left East Lansing and found new schools.

Khary Crump

Position: Cornerback

Class: Senior

Target 2024: to be announced

Jaden Mangham

Position: Security

247Sports transfer rating: Three stars

Class: Junior

New School: Michigan

Malcolm Jones

Position: Security

247Sports transfer rating: Three stars

Class: Redshirt Sophomore

New school: Jacksonville State

Bai Jobe

Position: Edge Rusher

247Sports transfer rating: Four stars

Class: Second year of study

New School: Kansas

Derrick Harmon

Position: Defensive Line

247Sports transfer rating: Four stars

Class: Senior

New School: Oregon

Andrew Depaepe

Position: Edge Rusher

247Sports transfer rating: Three stars

Class: Second year of study

New School: Indiana

Sean Brown

Position: Cornerback

Class: Second year of study

Target 2024: To be announced

Marqui Lowery Jr.

Position: Cornerback

Class: 5th grade

Target 2024: To be announced

Simeon Barrow Jr.

Position: Defensive Line

247Sports transfer rating: Three stars

Class: 5th Year Senior

New school: Miami University (FL)

Eddie Pleasant III

Position: Cornerback

247Sports transfer rating: Three stars

Class: Second year of study

New School: Buffalo

Ma’a Gaoteote

Position: Linebacker

Class: Senior

Target 2024: To be announced

Tunmise Adeleye

Position: Defensive Line

247Sports transfer rating: Three stars

Class: Redshirt Junior

New School: Texas State

Quavian Carter

Position: Linebacker

Class: Junior

New school: Florida A&M

Dre Butler

Position: Defensive Line

Class: 5th Year Senior

New School: Charlotte

Zion Young

Position: Edge Rusher

247Sports transfer rating: Three stars

Class: Junior

New School: Missouri

Coach Smith had to make a lot of changes during the offseason. Losing key players like Harmon and Barrow is tough on any team as they are good players that can start in any program. However, Smith has done a good job bringing in players that may not be as productive but will hold their own on the field.

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