Michigan State Avoids Chaotic Transfer Portal Season

Spartans retain roster, focus on high school recruiting class

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:00am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a college basketball game, with the court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the fragmented nature of the transfer portal landscape.Michigan State's roster stability amid the chaos of the transfer portal season reflects the program's commitment to long-term success.Washington Today

Michigan State's men's basketball program has avoided the chaos of the transfer portal so far this offseason, with no players leaving the team and only one open roster spot expected to be filled by a transfer. Head coach Tom Izzo has been vocal about his distaste for the transfer portal, and it appears his team has largely stayed put, in contrast to the over 2,000 Division I players currently in the portal.

Why it matters

The relative stability of Michigan State's roster stands out in a college basketball landscape increasingly defined by player movement through the transfer portal. Izzo's ability to retain his core players and focus on high school recruiting suggests the Spartans may be better positioned for success next season compared to programs that have seen significant roster turnover.

The details

Michigan State is one of the few major college basketball programs that has not seen any players enter the transfer portal this offseason. Last season, the Spartans lost three players to transfers but brought in four new transfers. This year, those numbers may drop to zero and one, respectively. Izzo has been vocal about his dislike of the transfer portal, and it appears his current roster is largely intact, with the exception of one expected transfer addition to fill a specific need.

  • As of April 13, 2026, over 2,000 Division I basketball players are currently in the transfer portal.
  • Michigan State has until April 21, 2026 for players to enter the transfer portal.

The players

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State men's basketball team, known for his outspoken views on the transfer portal.

Tre Holloman

A former Michigan State player who transferred to NC State last season, a move that Izzo has suggested the player may have regretted.

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What they’re saying

“Izzo said recently that he had been texting with a player about how they regretted leaving.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State

“Got some great memories in that building.”

— Tre Holloman

What’s next

Players have until April 21, 2026 to enter the transfer portal, so it remains to be seen if any Michigan State players will do so before the deadline.

The takeaway

Michigan State's ability to retain its roster and focus on high school recruiting suggests the program is well-positioned for stability and success, in contrast to the roster churn seen at many other top college basketball programs dealing with the transfer portal.