Michigan State used the transfer portal a ton this offseason, largely out of necessity.The Spartans are bringing in 32 new transfers this year for Year 1 of the Pat Fitzgerald era. That's in contrast to 45 departing players. Plenty of these new players will be starters. Today, we'll go through every single incoming transfer, sorted by the date they committed to MSU, and project their role for the coming fall.LT Ben Murawski: Higher-End StarterMichigan State's Ben Murawski and the rest of the offensive line participate in a drill during spring football practice on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in East Lansing. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectUConn transfer Ben Murawski was the very first player to commit to Michigan State from the portal. He was one of PFF's highest-graded run-blockers at offensive tackle last season, and MSU is looking to Murawski to be one of its best players this coming fall.CB Tyran Chappell: Key Rotation PieceApril 18, 2026; East Lansing, Mich.; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Tyran Chappell (22) runs out of the Spartan Stadium tunnel for MSU's "Spring Showcase." | Starr Portice, Michigan State Spartans on SIHouston Christian transfer Tyran Chappell should be getting snaps this fall. He was getting first-team reps during April's spring game, implying he was the No. 3 cornerback on the depth chart with Charles Brantley unavailable at the time. Chappell intercepted four passes in 2025 and earned First Team All-Southland honors.P Rhys Dakin: StarterMichigan State's Rhys Dakin punts the ball during the football Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectRhys Dakin will be Michigan State's new starting punter after he followed special teams coordinator LeVar Woods to East Lansing from Iowa. Dakin earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors in 2024 with the Hawkeyes and was an Honorable Mention last year. He's averaged 43.9 yards per punt during his career so far.S Devin Vaught: StarterApril 18, 2026; East Lansing, Mich.; Michigan State running back Marvis Parrish (21) carries the ball as safety Devin Vaught (2) chases during MSU's "Spring Showcase" inside Spartan Stadium. | Starr Portice, Michigan State Spartans on SIMaine transfer Devin Vaught is also in line for a starting spot. He'll be competing with Aveon Grose for the title, but I'd give Vaught the edge entering camp. Vaught has six career interceptions, three coming in each of the last two seasons.LB Caleb Wheatland: Starter or Key Rotation PieceMichigan State's Brady Pretzlaff, left, and Caleb Wheatland participate in a drill during the football Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectAuburn transfer Caleb Wheatland was one big addition to the linebacker room. He's a proven Big Ten player from his time at Maryland and could very well end up being the starting WILL linebacker next to Jordan Hall.DB Michael Richard: StarterSep 6, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive back Michael Richard (1) intercepts a pass from LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (not pictured) during the first half against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectLouisiana Tech transfer Michael Richard is set to be Michigan State's starting nickelback. Richard picked off three passes last year, including one during a game at LSU. He was also the Conference USA Freshman of the Year in the 2023 season and is one of the players on the roster who gained an additional year of eligibility with the NCAA's new "5-in-5" rule.CB Tre Bell: Higher-End StarterNov 8, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Tre Bell (7) celebrates a defensive stop against the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectIowa State transfer Tre Bell was another one of the Spartans' better gets. He'll be one of the starters in MSU's secondary. Bell got put into a starting role at ISU last year after a few injuries in the Cyclones' secondary and did well, intercepting two passes while allowing two touchdowns.QB Cam Fancher: QB2Michigan State's Cam Fancher warms up during the football Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectCam Fancher gives Michigan State an intriguing backup option. He's got a lot of experience as a starter, even initially winning the starting job at UCF last year, but injuries kept Fancher sidelined most of the year. In total, Fancher has 5,627 career passing yards and another 1,292 yards as a rusher.LG Nick Sharpe: StarterMichigan State's Nick Sharpe, center, runs a drill during the football Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectSouth Carolina transfer Nick Sharpe is another expected starter. He was with offensive line coach Nick Tabacca for four years at Wake Forest before joining the Gamecocks last season. Sharpe is coming to MSU with 1,215 snaps of experience at either left or right guard.K Liam Boyd: StarterMichigan State's Liam Boyd kicks a field goal during the football Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectLiam Boyd is expected to be the Spartans' new starting kicker. Incoming freshman Stephen Gonzales could force some competition with his big leg. Boyd is 10-for-13 on field goals during his career, as well as a perfect 22-of-22 on extra points.C Trent Fraley: StarterMichigan State's Trent Fraley prepares to snap the ball during the football Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectNorth Dakota State transfer Trent Fraley will be MSU's starting center. He was the FCS Rimington Award winner for the Bison last year, and he also started all year in 2024 during another NDSU National Championship season. RB Cam Edwards: Potential Star PlayerMichigan State's Cam Edwards runs the ball during the football Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectUConn transfer Cam Edwards is one of Michigan State's most exciting newcomers. He ran for 1,240 yards and 15 touchdowns last year and very well could be MSU's best running back since Kenneth Walker.CB Charles Brantley: Potential Star PlayerMichigan State's Charles Brantley celebrates after the win over Prairie View A&M on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectBringing back Charles Brantley from Miami was another huge move. He was one of Michigan State's stars during the 2024 season, earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten despite missing the last 3.5 games due to injury. Brantley should pick up where he left off as MSU's CB1.TE Carson Gulker: Often-Used Gadget PlayerThe Grand Valley State football team edged Ferris State in the Anchor Bone rivalry on Saturday at Ferris State.