Nate Carter will be moving on from Michigan State football

Early Friday morning, Michigan State football running back Nate Carter announced his declaration for the 2025 NFL Draft. The former UConn transfer will forego his final year of college eligibility.

Thank You🙏🏾💙💚 #nextchapter pic.twitter.com/m4Nx2kc4il

— Nathan Carter (@_natecarter5) December 6, 2024

Carter came to East Lansing by way of the transfer portal in December of 2022. He committed to MSU after two seasons as the feature back for UConn, one of which was cut short due to injury. He only scored three touchdowns as a Husky, but racked up 983 rushing yards, with an average of 5.2 yards per carry. He also added 166 receiving yards during his time in Connecticut.

Once in East Lansing, Carter quickly cemented himself as the starter. Beating out Jalen Berger and Jaren Mangham, he was evidently going to be the primary ball carrier in Jay Johnson’s offense. He put together an extremely productive 2023 season, totaling 798 rushing yards on 185 carries, adding four touchdowns. Carter also provided support in the passing game, hauling in 22 receptions for 103 yards.

Throughout all of the turmoil during and following the 2023 football season for MSU, Carter stayed locked in. He was one of the guys who seemingly committed to a school, not a coaching staff. Nate never entered the transfer portal and quickly used the hashtag SD4L at the conclusion of the season.

Carter stuck it out and was a big part of the new era in East Lansing. In the new Jonathan Smith/Brian Lindgren offense, Carter had a career year in terms of scoring. He scored seven touchdowns during the 2024 season, equaling the number he reached in the previous three seasons combined. Carter wound up with 499 rushing yards, and 173 receiving yards for the Spartans.

Now, Carter has decided to move on. While it’s unfortunate for the 2025 Michigan State football team, Carter is wished nothing but success. With his downhill running ability and his 5-foot-10, 202-pound frame, he’ll surely garner some NFL attention. Hopefully he can have a great pre-draft process, allowing him to get drafted or signed to an active roster.

On behalf of Spartan Nation, thank you, Nate Carter. Thank you for embodying what it means to be a #SD4L. You will be missed.

Go Green.