Michigan State linebacker withdraws name from transfer portal

After almost two weeks in the transfer portal, Michigan State linebacker Ma’a Gaoteote is heading back to East Lansing.

Gaoteote withdrew his name from the portal on Tuesday, On3’s Matt Zenitz has learned. He entered the portal on Jan. 19 after playing in eight games for Michigan State this past season.

Gaoteote was a four-star recruit out of high school and was the No. 15 linebacker in the portal, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. He had seven tackles this year, including two in Michigan State’s blowout loss to Ohio State.

Originally committed to USC out of high school, Gaoteote flipped to Michigan State during the early signing period in December 2020. He’ll remain in the same conference as his brother, Palaie Gaoteote, who plays for Ohio State.

Michigan State lands Illinois transfer tight end Daniel Barker

Michigan State is landing a transfer tight end with potential from a Big Ten rival. On Monday, former Illinois tight end Daniel Barker revealed he was joining the Spartans.

“Did It With A Voice. No Remorse, Glad I Made A Choice. #GoGreen,” tweeted Barker, captioning two photos revealing how he looks in Michigan State green.

Four the past four seasons, Barker has attempted to make a name for himself at Illinois. However, uneven quarterback play and coaching changes has led to him not reaching his full potential. Now, he’ll look to Mel Tucker and Michigan State to evolve his game. Barker was the No. 32 overall tight end in On3’s 2022 Transfer Portal Rankings.

Over his time at Illinois, Barker caught 64 passes — accumulating 827 yards and 11 touchdowns. Moreover, he also brings three rushes for 18 yards and one touchdowns, as well.

Daniel Barker will be on the hunt to breakout with Michigan State. After the success Tucker has had with transfers in the past, the tight end is making a great decision for his career.

Barker isn’t the only transfer looking to take the next steps of his career at Michigan State. Once again, Mel Tucker has been active in the transfer portal.

First, Georgia cornerback Ameer Speed announced he was coming to East Lansing. Earlier this month, the cornerback explained his decision via Twitter, saying he was “honored” to be playing for Michigan State.

“Coach Tucker and Coach Barnett are two people I wanted to work with when I came out of high school,” Speed said. “I knew that they could develop me into the man and the player that I strived to be. So to have the opportunity to be coached by the two is a true blessing.”