Michigan State University has bolstered its wide receiver lineup by securing the transfer of former Notre Dame receiver KK Smith. The announcement was made on January 11, 2025, and comes after the Spartans lost receiver Nick Marsh to Indiana University.
Smith, who hails from Frisco Reedy High School in Texas, spent three seasons with Notre Dame. He was initially recruited as a three-star prospect and ranked as the No. 78 overall wide receiver by 247 Sports composite rankings. During his time in South Bend, he participated in 17 games, with his most productive year occurring during his redshirt sophomore season. In 2025, Smith played in 10 games, recording eight receptions for 123 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
Joining a Growing Roster
Smith will not be the only receiver joining Michigan State from a rival program. On January 9, 2025, former Michigan receiver Fredrick Moore also committed to the Spartans. Under the guidance of new head coach Pat Fitzgerald, Michigan State aims to enhance its offensive capabilities.
In addition to new arrivals, the Spartans received a significant boost when Chrishon McCray decided to remain with the team after initially entering the transfer portal. McCray transferred from Kent State before the 2025 season and has been a valuable asset for the Spartans. Meanwhile, another receiver, Evan Boyd, who transferred to Michigan State last year, has since moved on to Iowa State University.
The influx of talent from rival programs marks a strategic effort by Michigan State to strengthen its roster and remain competitive in the highly contested college football landscape. With the addition of Smith and Moore, the Spartans are looking to improve their offensive performance in the upcoming season.
This recent development highlights Michigan State’s commitment to building a formidable team capable of competing at a high level. As the Spartans prepare for the challenges ahead, the focus will be on integrating these new players into their system and maximizing their contributions on the field.
