Michigan State transfer RB Jalen Berger in contact with multiple power conference teams

Michigan State transfer running back Jalen Berger told On3’s Pete Nakos he has been in contact with multiple power conference programs since entering the transfer portal. Arizona, UCLA, Duke, Georgia Tech, Minnesota and Boston College have all contacted him.

Berger appeared in five games this past season – his second in East Lansing – after suffering an injury. That came after an impressive first go-round at Michigan State in 2022 when he rushed for 683 yards and six touchdowns after transferring from Wisconsin, where he played in a starting role.

Berger was the Badgers’ leading rusher during the COVID-impacted 2020 season with 301 yards over four games, but found himself behind Braelon Allen during the 2021 campaign and only made three appearances. That led him to enter the portal and commit to Michigan State, and he will have up to three years of eligibility remaining, including a COVID year.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Berger played high school football at Don Bosco Prep (N.J.), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 141 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. After entering the portal, he became the No. 584 overall player and No. 51-ranked running back in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings.

Berger is among 37 Michigan State players to enter the portal this cycle as Jonathan Smith takes over the program. The Spartans have 16 additions coming in, though, headlined by quarterback Aidan Chiles. The former Oregon State standout came in as the No. 31 overall player in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings.

Spring transfer portal window officially closed

Jalen Berger officially entered the portal April 23, just one week before the spring transfer window closed. 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.