Michigan State football: Harlon Barnett reportedly retained

According to a report, Michigan State football will be getting Harlon Barnett back as he was retained by Jonathan Smith.

Just 14 hours after the 2023 Michigan State football came to a close, the Spartans hired Jonathan Smith from Oregon State.

The Spartans now have their guy and he’s young and could be here for the long haul. Success isn’t guaranteed, but it feels like he’s taking the correct steps to ensure it happens.

One of those steps is reportedly retaining a big name from the previous staff: Harlon Barnett.

According to a report from David Harns, Smith is bringing back Barnett.

MSU 2024 commit Justin Denson just got off the phone with Harlon Barnett, and Barnett told him he is staying with MSU. Jaylen Thompson said the same.
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— David Harns (@DavidHarns) November 25, 2023

This may not seem like a huge move, but it’s incredibly important considering Smith has no Midwest ties but Barnett does. He knows the program in and out, is a diehard Spartan, and can recruit the area. Having a guy with ties to the Midwest on the staff to help Smith transition to East Lansing will be important. Also, Barnett is a coach who players absolutely love and he’s credited for keeping the team together after Mel Tucker was fired.

Not many coaches could do what Barnett did in that situation and he deserves a ton of credit.

It’s clear that Smith respects Barnett enough to keep him on the staff and that’s also good for keeping some of the current recruits such as Justin Denson and Jaylen Thompson. He could also help keep the rest of the recruiting class together like Nick Marsh and potentially even push for Anthony Carrie to rejoin the group (although that will be difficult).

You have to give Smith credit for making moves already and if this proves to be true, fans will be singing his praises early on.

You’re not going to see many people upset to have Barnett back in East Lansing again.