Michigan State football: Spartans secure a new wide receiver in the transfer portal

On the morning of January 11, 2026, Michigan State football received another ‘Pat Signal’ via social media.

A Pat Signal is a social media post by Spartans’ football head coach Pat Fitzgerald that shows when a new recruit or transfer commits to Michigan State. The signals on Sunday were the 25th and 26th transfer commits of the 2026 offseason, with only 19 announced at that time.

As of midday on Sunday, that number rose to 20.

Notre Dame wide receiver KK Smith committed to the Spartans’ receiving core. Wide receiver coach Courtney Hawkins and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan played their part and secured another threat to pair with Alessio Milivojevic. The green and white had already retained Chrishon McCray, but Smith stands out as the second transfer receiver of the period, joining another former Spartan rival, Michigan’s Fredrick Moore.

Michigan State football had shown interest in other receivers, but those threat fell off the board early, committing their talents to other programs. Jeremiah Harrison of ETSU went to James Madison, Furman’s Evan James committed to Iowa, and Middle Tennessee’s Nahzae Cox transferred to Kansas.

What does KK Smith bring to Michigan State football?

Smith brings his own unique style to East Lansing. Standing at 6-foot, 177lbs, Smith caught eight passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns for the Fighting Irish last season in South Bend. Taking a quick look at his tape, he shows an impressive burst off the ball and a unique ability to catch contested passes against bigger defenders. He also has the ability to toe tap with excellent field awareness.

Smith immediately stands out as a deep threat within the Spartans system. So far McCray is the only sure starter on the board, with other players remaining in competition for fellow spots, although Moore and Smith each enter with high expectations to compete.

It appears Hawkins’ strategy remains the same year in and year out. Bring in guys who can make their own plays with their athleticism. KK Smith certainly fits that mold. With two years of eligibility remaining, the junior brings his experience and God-given talent to the green and white next season as Pat Fitzgerald attempts his turn-around of the Spartan football program.