Michigan State football's Derrick Harmon, Jalen Berger enter transfer portal

Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon might not be returning to Michigan State for a fourth season after all. 

On the same day the Spartans men’s basketball team won big in the NCAA transfer portal, the university’s football program is in jeopardy of suffering another big loss.

Harmon has entered his name into the portal, a team spokesperson confirmed Tuesday. It’s the second time in five months Harmon has done so. Harmon’s decision comes a few days after Simeon Barrow Jr. decided to test the transfer portal yet again. 

Harmon is among a wave of Michigan State players who've entered the portal since it reopened last week. Running back Jalen Berger, who lead the team in rushing in the 2022 season but was limited because of injuries last season, also put his name in the portal, the team confirmed.

Harmon had previously entertained the idea of leaving Michigan State after Jonathan Smith was hired to usher in a new era of Spartan football. The 6-foot-5 defensive tackle announced in late December, though, that he planned to stay at Michigan State after all. But those feelings must’ve changed as the Spartans wrapped up their spring practice program over the weekend. 

Harmon recorded 40 tackles in 11 games during the 2023 season. He's posted 69 total tackles, including 3½ sacks, as well as one forced fumble and one fumble recovery across three seasons. 

Meanwhile, Berger transferred to Michigan State after spending two seasons at Wisconsin. In his first season in green and white, Berger led the Spartans with 683 yards yards rushing on 148 carries, both of which were careers highs. He also tied the team lead with a career-best six rushing touchdowns.

Last season, though, Berger recorded only 93 yards and a score on the ground off 25 carries in five games before suffering an undisclosed season-ending injury during the Oct. 21 loss to Michigan.

Berger has three years of eligibility remaining, while Harmon has only two.

Harmon and Berger are among at least nine players who've entered the portal over the last week. News of redshirt freshman defensive lineman Andrew Depaepe and tight end Jack Nickel also going to the portal broke on Tuesday. Depaepe, a former four-star recruit, wasn't seen at the Spartans' open practice on Saturday. Meanwhile, Nickel played in 13 games last season, primarily on special teams, but could've been pushed further down the depth chart with the addition of Oregon State transfer Jack Velling this offseason.

Other potential portal losses include redshirt sophomore receiver Antonio Gates Jr. and redshirt junior running back Davion Primm. 

Players have until April 30 to take advantage of the spring portal window.

mkenney@detroitnews.com

@madkenney