MSU to Lose Young, Key Components of Defense to Transfer Portal
In this story:
The final day of 2025 has ended up being the final day of being a Spartan for some.
Before dinnertime, 10 different names had been added to the list of Michigan State players who are planning to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 31 alone. The complete list has now reached 30 since the offseason began.
Two of the latest blows have been to the defensive side of the ball. Both cornerback Aydan West and EDGE rusher David Santiago announced Wednesday evening that they would be leaving East Lansing.
Neither West nor Santiago were full-time starters this past season, but they were both considered a part of the team's younger core and players who seemed to have a lot of potential moving forward. West seemed to hint on social media that he would be returning, but that was apparently not the case. This was West's true freshman year, so he has three years of eligibility. Santiago was a redshirt sophomore and has two years remaining.
More on West
West is one of the most painful losses Michigan State has suffered this transfer portal cycle. He started four games this past season as a true freshman and seemed to handle things relatively well. This is just some personal opinion inserted, but he might be the type of player Spartan fans succeed elsewhere and feel a little pain in their chest a year or two from now.
Something that shows that West will likely have some significant Power Four interest, beyond his early playing experience, is his offer list coming out of high school. Ohio State and Virginia Tech made late pushes in his high school recruitment. He also had offers from Penn State, UCLA, Pitt, Virginia, and other power-conference schools.
Thank you for everything Spartan Nation! SD4L💚🤍 https://t.co/dHIwFkTVI3
— 5⭐️ Aydan West (@AydanWest0) December 31, 2025
More on Santiago
Santiago is also departing MSU after only one season, just like West. The difference is that he began his career at Air Force, spending two years there before transferring to Michigan State last offseason.
While he didn't start, Santiago was a significant part of the Spartans' defensive rotation, seeing at least a dozen defensive snaps every single game. His 73.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus was the fourth-best mark on the team among players with at least 200 defensive snaps. Santiago made 24 total tackles this year, along with 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
Michigan State EDGE David Santiago (6-4, 252) is entering the transfer portal per his agent @Billy_Dee28
— Allen Trieu (@AllenTrieu) December 31, 2025
He totaled 62 tackles, 7.5 TFL, & 5 sacks through 2 seasons. Santiago started his career at Air Force and has 2 years of eligibility.https://t.co/oIvn3ltJvu pic.twitter.com/2kuXWsyXdU
Transfer Portal Tracker
Outgoing Transfers (30) -
Nov. 30 - RB Makhi Frazier (2 years remaining); Dec. 1 - WR Nick Marsh (2 years remaining); Dec. 5 - EDGE Stone Chaney (4 years remaining); Dec. 8 - DB Jeremiah Hughes (2 years remaining); Dec. 8 - S Tracy Revels (2 years remaining); Dec. 8 - OG Gavin Broscious (1 or 2 years remaining); Dec. 9 - OL Rashawn Rogers (4 years remaining); Dec. 10 - DB Justin Denson Jr. (3 years remaining); Dec. 10 - LB Semaj Bridgeman (2 years remaining); Dec. 11 - LB Darius Snow (1 year remaining); Dec. 11 - DB Ade Willie (1 year remaining); Dec. 11 - EDGE Tyler Gillison (1-2 years remaining); Dec. 12 - LS Kaden Schickel (1 year remaining); Dec. 15 - QB Aidan Chiles (1 year remaining); Dec. 15 - LB Marcellius Pulliam (2 years remaining)
Dec. 16 - WR Grant Calcagno (2 years remaining); Dec. 23 - DB George Mullins (4 years remaining); Dec. 23 - DB Elisha West (3 years remaining); Dec. 27 - TE Michael Masunas (2 years remaining); Dec. 28 - OL Cooper Terpstra (2 years remaining); Dec. 30 - K Martin Connington (3 years remaining); Dec. 31 - WR Evan Boyd (2 years remaining); Dec. 31 - OL Kristian Phillips (1 year remaining); Dec. 31 - EDGE Jalen Thompson (1-2 years remaining); Dec. 31 - WR Chrishon McCray (1 year remaining); Dec. 31 - OL Cole Dellinger (3 years remaining); Dec. 31- TE Wyatt Hook (3 years remaining); Dec. 31 - QB Ryland Jessee (3 years remaining) Dec. 31 - EDGE David Santiago (2 years remaining); Dec. 31 - CB Aydan West (3 years remaining)
Keep up with all our content when you follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be sure to share your thoughts on Aydan West and David Santiago entering the portal when you join our community group, Go Green Go White, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE. Don't forget to give us a follow on X @MSUSpartansOnSI as well.
Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Spartans when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW
A 2025 graduate from Michigan State University, Cotsonika brings a wealth of experience covering the Spartans from Rivals and On3 to his role as Michigan State Spartans Beat Writer on SI. At Michigan State, he was also a member of the world-renowned Spartan marching band for two seasons.
Follow jacobcotsonika