Breaking: Spartans Wire – Spartan Linebacker Carter Enyard Enters Transfer Portal After One Season in East Lansing
In a surprising development that has caught many Michigan State fans off guard, redshirt freshman linebacker Carter Enyard has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal after spending just one season in East Lansing. The move, first reported by Spartans Wire, adds to a growing list of roster shakeups for the Spartans as they prepare for a crucial transitional phase under head coach Jonathan Smith.
Enyard, a former three-star recruit out of Indianapolis, Indiana, came to Michigan State as part of the 2023 recruiting class with considerable upside. At 6-foot-2 and weighing in around 215 pounds, he was known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and natural instincts on the field. While he didn’t see much playing time during his true freshman season, many within the program and among the fanbase viewed him as a promising developmental player who could eventually blossom into a starting role.
His decision to enter the portal after only one year raises questions about the current state of the program and the ongoing effects of roster turnover following the departure of former head coach Mel Tucker. The program has been in flux ever since Tucker’s dismissal in late 2023, with many players evaluating their futures amid coaching changes, new systems, and increased competition for playing time.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Enyard’s decision may have been influenced by a combination of limited playing time and a desire for a fresh start in a system better suited to his strengths. With a crowded linebacker room and several returning veterans and new recruits fighting for spots, Enyard may have seen the writing on the wall regarding his position on the depth chart.
This departure is another blow to a defense that is trying to rebuild its identity. Michigan State’s defense struggled mightily last season, ranking near the bottom of the Big Ten in several key statistical categories. Coach Jonathan Smith and defensive coordinator Joe Rossi have emphasized toughness and discipline in their scheme, aiming to bring back the kind of gritty, physical defensive play that once defined Spartan football. Enyard’s exit, though understandable, leaves the linebacker unit with one less body as spring practice continues.
For Enyard, entering the portal gives him a chance to explore options that may offer more immediate playing time or a better scheme fit. He becomes one of many young players nationwide who are opting to test the waters early in their college careers, taking advantage of the transfer portal’s growing influence on college football. As of now, he has not publicly commented on his decision or hinted at potential landing spots, but programs in need of speed and depth at linebacker will likely take notice.
Meanwhile, Michigan State now faces the task of filling another hole in their depth chart. The linebacker room still boasts names like Jordan Hall and Cal Haladay, both of whom are expected to play major roles in 2025. Additionally, incoming freshman and portal additions may help ease the sting of Enyard’s exit. Still, depth and continuity are critical at this stage, especially as the program looks to rebound from a tough couple of seasons.
Enyard’s departure serves as a reminder of the fluid nature of college football today. With the transfer portal and NIL opportunities reshaping the landscape, roster turnover is now a year-round challenge for coaching staffs. Fans hoping for stability and long-term player development may need to adjust expectations as more athletes take their careers into their own hands earlier than ever.
As the Spartans march toward the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how the team responds to these changes. The next few months of offseason preparation, summer workouts, and fall camp will be crucial in determining whether this team can find the cohesion and competitive edge it needs to climb back into Big Ten relevance.