Michigan State defensive lineman Ken Talley reacts to Jaden Mangham transfer to Michigan: 'Soft anyway'

After former Michigan State defensive back Jaden Mangham announced his commitment to Michigan out of the transfer portal, one of his former teammates weighed in. Spartans defensive lineman Ken Talley took to social media to share his reaction to the decision.

“Soft anyway lol,” Talley wrote.

Mangham committed to Michigan Friday afternoon as Sherrone Moore continues to add pieces through the portal. An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, he led the Spartans with four interceptions while adding 53 tackles and three pass breakups.

Soft anyway lol

— KEN “🃏” TALLEY (@KenTalley22) May 17, 2024

Jaden Mangham played high school football at Wylie E. Groves (Mich.), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 301 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Mangham was the second big defensive back pick up for Michigan on Friday. Earlier in the day, former Tennessee safety and Louisville transfer Wesley Walker committed to Michigan. He entered the transfer portal April 23 after initially committing to the Cardinals earlier this offseason.

Walker went through spring practice at Louisville after transferring from Tennessee, but re-entered the portal afterward. He appeared in 23 games with the Vols, including 12 starts, as he recorded 89 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, seven pass breakups, a forced fumble and an interception in his two seasons in Knoxville.

The Wolverines also picked up a commitment from former FCS All-American Aamir Hall on Thursday following an impressive season at Albany. On3’s Pete Nakos and Steve Wiltfong both predicted Hall to end up with the Wolverines.

This past season, Hall totaled five interceptions and 15 pass deflections. He started his college career at Richmond, where he spent three seasons at Richmond before transferring to Albany.

Spring transfer portal window officially closed

The transfer portal window officially closed on April 30 after two windows – a 30-day window in the fall, when Jayvontay Conner entered his name, and another 15-day window in April. The portal tool launched in 2018 to allow athletes to be more involved in the process of transferring. Athletes must notify institutions of their intent to transfer. Each school’s compliance team had 48 hours to put a name into the portal. 

After an athlete is officially in the portal, there is no rush on making a decision as long as they are properly enrolled at a new institution in time for fall camp. Commitments did not have to be made during the 15-day window.