With the explosion of the NCAA transfer portal, players have the opportunity to transfer from a program and go just about anywhere they want in the country. And that list typically includes a handful of rivals.
Recently, Michigan State football head coach Jonathan Smith discussed the transfer portal and his plans to utilize it as the Spartans’ new head coach. He also shared his thoughts on players deciding to leave one program and join one of their biggest rivals.
“In this landscape, in this day and age, across the country, guys have opportunities to transfer. So, I think it will become more and more common,” Smith said.
This offseason, Michigan State has found itself on both the giving and receiving end when it comes to transferring to rival programs. Former Spartans safety Jaden Mangham opted to join the biggest rivals in Ann Arbor, MI: the Michigan Wolverines. However, coming over from the Wolverines program is highly rated freshman linebacker Semaj Bridgeman commits to Michigan State.
Smith does not appear to be on either side of the fence when it comes to this topic. More or less, the Michigan State head coach understands and expects this to be a part of college football for years to come.
Smith shares excitement for rivalry with Michigan
Smith also talked about his eagerness for the in-state rivalry with Michigan despite not coaching a game for the Spartans yet.
Then again, it’s not hard to get up for that game after the Wolverines owned the college football world last season. However, Smith might be the guy who brings Michigan State back to the forefront of highly competitive Big Ten football and the college football playoff.
But you have to beat the kings of the state, which right now, is Michigan.
“Love being a part of a rivalry in this state that’s passionate on both sides of it,” Smith said. “Looking forward to being a big part of it.”
To beat a team like Michigan, the former Oregon State head coach will have to rebuild the Spartans. There was a brief peak under former coach Mel Tucker, which included an 11-win campaign.
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