The Michigan State Spartans’ pass defense hopes to remain consistent in Joe Rossi’s second year as defensive coordinator. Their secondary performed well in 2024, finishing in the top 50 in completions and passing yards allowed per game. Michigan State tied for 37th in completions per game with 17.2 and 46th in passing yards per game with 206.9.
2025 will be a challenge after losing two of their top cornerbacks to the 2025 NFL Draft or the transfer portal. Ed Woods went undrafted and remains unsigned, while Charles Brantley transferred to the Miami Hurricanes. The defense will rely heavily on transfers and players with limited experience and playing time.
The Spartans aren’t done adding talent in the spring portal, bringing in another defensive back.
Michigan State Spartans land standout AAC DB for 2025
According to Matt Zenitz of 247 Sports, Michigan State landed East Carolina Pirates standout defensive back Dontavius Nash from the spring transfer portal for the 2025 season. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound cornerback has one final year of eligibility. He was considered one of the top corners available in the portal.
ECU cornerback transfer Dontavius Nash is currently expected to transfer to Michigan State, a source tells @CBSSports/@247Sports.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder had 58 tackles and two interceptions the last two years. Former four-star recruit who began his career at North Carolina.… pic.twitter.com/VSsdVZiNxa
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) May 6, 2025
He had a solid stint at East Carolina
After spending the first two years of his college career with the North Carolina Tar Heels, Dontavius Nash transferred to the East Carolina Pirates for the 2023 season. Nash had a solid stint at East Carolina, recording 58 tackles, two interceptions, one pick-six, and three pass deflections in 24 games. He played a significant role in 2024.
Nash played a significant role on defense following the season-ending injury to Shavon Revel. He recorded 24 tackles, one interception, and two pass deflections in 12 games and 167 coverage snaps, the third-most snaps at the position. He gave up a 58.3% completion percentage, 215 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a 110.2 passer rating per PFF.
