In yet another blow to Michigan State’s roster, redshirt sophomore tight end Jack Nickel has entered the transfer portal. Nickel’s departure marks the fourth for the Spartans on Tuesday, following defensive end Andrew Depaepe, starting defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, and running back Jalen Berger.
Nickel, a former three-star prospect from Georgia, joined Michigan State’s 2022 recruiting class but did not play as a true freshman. Last season, he appeared in 10 games without recording any statistics while playing 13 snaps at tight end and 90 on special teams.
With the departure of top tight end Maliq Carr after last season, the Spartans brought in Jack Velling from Oregon State. Velling set a program record for touchdown catches by a tight end with eight as a sophomore last year. Brennan Parachek, a former four-star recruit who showed promise as a true freshman last season, returns but is currently sidelined with an injury. Tyneil Hopper, a former Boise State transfer with a seventh year of eligibility, is also recovering from injury.
Redshirt sophomore Michael Masunas has only one career catch but has received praise from the coaching staff during spring practice. The Spartans have lost 11 players to the transfer portal during the 15-day spring transfer window, which opened on April 16. In addition to Tuesday’s four entries, the others are three-year starting defensive tackle Simeon Barrow, receiver Antonio Gates Jr., defensive backs Marqui Lowery, Eddie Pleasant, and Sean Brown, running back Davion Primm, and offensive tackle Braden Miller. Graduate transfers can enter the portal at any time.
