Michigan State football lands coveted WR transfer Omari Kelly

Jonathan Smith’s hard work has finally paid off. On Sunday afternoon, Michigan State football landed its first transfer commitment of the offseason as Middle Tennessee receiver Omari Kelly picked the Spartans.

Former Middle Tennessee wide receiver Omari Kelly tells ESPN that he has committed to Michigan State. @kelly_omari began his career at Auburn and put together a strong year in 2024 at Middle Tennessee State — 53 catches for 869 yards and four touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/SV6VM55BmC

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 15, 2024

This is a big-time addition for the offense which needs some help in the receiving corps after losing Jaron Glover (recently transferred to Mississippi State), Jaelen Smith, Antonio Gates Jr., and Montorie Foster Jr.

Michigan State received some big news over the weekend when Nick Marsh essentially pledged a return to East Lansing next year. Rumors have been circulating that the star freshman receiver would be returning for at least one more year at Michigan State. Nowadays, no one is safe from the transfer portal as teams have been calling pretty much anyone with NIL deals. If you have a breakout year, you’re going to get some big-time offers from major programs.

Fortunately, Michigan State was able to hold on to Marsh despite that and now the Spartans are adding a receiver who exploded onto the scene with Middle Tennessee this past season. Kelly began his season at Auburn where he caught five passes for 101 yards in two years.

Kelly had a huge season with Middle Tennessee as a first-team All-C-USA receiver and second-team return man. He had 53 catches for 869 yards and four touchdowns this year while also returning eight punts for 81 yards and a touchdown.

The 6-foot-0, 180-pound receiver was the No. 75 overall transfer in the portal and No. 19 wide receiver. He was a four-star recruit when he committed to Auburn in the 2022 class and he has plenty of upside. He’s electric and he’s going to pair nicely with Marsh.

If you’re Aidan Chiles, you have to be thrilled with this addition to the offense because now you have two legit receiving targets and a star tight end, making your life just that much easier.

Michigan State finally gets payback for the 2026 NCAA Tournament (too soon?).