Former MSU RB Frazier Visiting Big Ten Powerhouse
In this story:
Michigan State's starting running back might be joining one of college football's biggest brands.
According to a report by CBS Sports' Chris Hummer, outgoing MSU transfer Makhi Frazier will be visiting Ohio State on Friday. Frazier was the very first player to announce his intention to enter the portal this offseason, doing so the day Jonathan Smith got fired on Nov. 30. That was only one day removed from the Spartans' season finale against Maryland, though Frazier did not play in that game.
Frazier ran for 520 yards and two touchdowns during his true sophomore season in East Lansing. On3 ranks him 186th overall in the transfer portal and 19th among running backs. In addition to the interest received from the Buckeyes, other schools reportedly in the running for Frazier include Auburn, Penn State, and Florida.
The departure of Frazier created a need at running back for Michigan State. New head coach Pat Fitzgerald has filled that and then some. MSU has picked up commitments from UConn transfer Cam Edwards, Iowa transfer Jaziun Patterson, and Western Kentucky transfer Marvis Parrish at the RB spot.
Fit for Frazier at Ohio State
Frazier would not be Ohio State's top running back, as it stands right now. That would, clearly, be Bo Jackson. No, not that running back, someone else. This guy is pretty good, too. Jackson ran for 1,090 rushing yards with six touchdowns during his true freshman season.
The situation is complicated, though. Rumors are currently going around about a possible transfer portal entry for Jackson. He has until Jan. 16 to enter the portal, if he chooses to do so.
One prominent Ohio State insider, Jeremy Birmingham, said that Jackson's NIL demands are costlier than what former OSU running back TreVeyon Henderson is currently making in the NFL with the New England Patriots. According to Spotrac, Henderson's cap hit for the Patriots is just north of $2 million.
What is known is that the Buckeyes will be losing second running back C.J. Donaldson due to the exhaustion of his eligibility. OSU is also set to lose RB3 James Peoples, as he has entered the transfer portal.
There is a good chance Frazier and Michigan State would also meet again if he ends up choosing the Buckeyes. The Spartans, who haven't taken down Ohio State since 2015 and have lost nine straight overall to the Buckeyes, avoid OSU in 2026 but are set to travel to Columbus in 2027.
That aligns with Frazier's senior season. Hey, at least Jeremiah Smith will be in the NFL by then.
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 Makhi Frazier visiting Ohio State 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