The Michigan State Spartans have undertaken a comprehensive rebuild of their cornerbacks unit this offseason, tapping the transfer portal to bring in three new players while also retaining a core group of returning athletes. The move comes as the program seeks to shore up a secondary that has seen both attrition and inconsistency in recent years.
A New Coaching Vision
At the helm of the revamped unit is Hank Poteat, who arrived from Iowa State where he guided the No. 1 pass defense in 2024. Poteat’s tenure also includes a stint at Wisconsin, giving him a blend of Big Ten experience and a track record of developing elite coverage talent.
The newly signed transfers bring a mix of pedigree and potential. Charles Brantley, who previously transferred from Miami (FL), returns to East Lansing after encountering injury setbacks and depth‑chart challenges in his prior program. Tre Bell III comes from Iowa State, where he started every game last season and recorded two interceptions and two touchdowns allowed, providing a proven starter’s skill set. Tyran Chappell, a recruit ranked outside the top 2,000 nationally, committed to Michigan State after posting four interceptions at Houston Christian (FCS), adding a low‑profile but ball‑hawking presence.
Alongside the newcomers, the roster includes returning players who have already seen action in the program. NiJhay Burt, a transfer from Eastern Illinois, appeared in only four games last season but was a starter at EIU with three interceptions in 2024. Andrew Brinson IV, a true freshman who missed the entire 2025 campaign due to injury, logged 59 defensive snaps as a freshman in 2024. Keshawn Williams has limited defensive snaps but contributed on special teams in four games during the 2025 season.
The secondary also welcomes early enrollee KJ Deriso, who entered the program as a highly ranked prospect with offers from Georgia Tech and others, and TJ Umenyiora, son of NFL veteran Osi Umenyiora, who brings a three‑star rating and interest from Northwestern and Mississippi State. Both players were featured in the spring game and are expected to add depth as the unit continues to gel.
The overall objective is clear: restore a secondary that has been unsettled by recent transitions and position it as a competitive force within the Big Ten. By blending experienced transfers, promising returnees, and emerging fresh talent under Poteat’s scheme, Michigan State aims to elevate its defensive performance and provide a more stable foundation for the upcoming season.