The spring transfer portal has opened an the wild wild west of college football’s free agency has begun once again. Michigan State, like everyone else, is gearing up to reload and replenish their roster heading into the summer.

Michigan State is not expecting to see a ton of departures leave their program, which means the two-deep depth chart should have a good feel to it, and the staff can really focus on upgrading the talent pool at certain positions.

The Spartans coaching staff did a masterful job during the winter portal window, filling a ton of holes on the roster and reloading the talent in a way that aligns with what they are doing to build the program. After grabbing 16 players in the winter portal, the staff will probably only look to grab a half dozen more, and they already have a few positions in mind.

Here, we are going to take a look at the four positions the Spartans coaching staff will be eyeing to make additions:

Defensive end/Edge rusher

Michigan State was the worst pass rushing team in the Big Ten last season, and a case could be made for the worst in the country. The team is desperate for help at the edge positions. The leading sack getter from a year ago, Anthony Jones, also decided to leave the program and transfer.

Despite some solid additions in the winter portal with David Santiago and Anelu Lafaele, but with both players being so young, the Spartans have to get some veteran help to add to this room.

It is imperative that MSU ponies up the money needed to win a big time recruitment for a big time edge rusher, or fans are going to be stuck in a very frustrating rut in 2025.

Tight end

It was no secret that the Spartans sought a tight end in the winter portal window, the Spartans even landed a commitment from Mason Mini. After Mini backed off of his pledge, though, it was a little too late for the Spartans to get back into the market.

Despite having a strong top half of the room with Jack Velling, Michael Masunas and Brandon Parachek, the Spartans need depth at that position. Both Masunas and Parachek have dealt with injury problems in the past, so finding a quality depth piece with eligibility remaining would be a big time addition to the room.

Safety

This is another position that the Spartans are more going to be looking for depth, rather than an instant impact. Nikai Martinez and Malik Spencer have jobs on lockdown back here, and Dillon Tatum is also in the mix. But behind those three, there really only is Justin Denson and walk ons right now.

It would be wise for the Spartans to add a guy or two that has years of eligibility remaining to act as solid depth pieces right now and can be developed into something solid going forward.

Running back

This one is not as necessary as the rest, but the Spartans could be looking for a one-and-done starting running back similar to Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams a year ago. MSU added Sacramento State transfer Elijah Tau-Toliver in the winter and have Makhi Frazier, Brandon Tullis and Jace Clarizio as young backs that could work themselves into the fold.

The problem ends up being the sheer lack of experience in the room, and that being something of concern. If the right fit comes along, MSU might pounce.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Four transfer portal positions Michigan State football should pursue