WR Chrishon McCray exits the transfer portal, announces return to Michigan State

When Chrishon McCray briefly entered the transfer portal, it created understandable uncertainty around one of Michigan State’s most dynamic offensive pieces. His decision to withdraw from the portal and return to East Lansing, however, sends a clear message: McCray believes his best football is still ahead in green and white.

Last offseason, when Michigan State landed McCray, it was viewed as one of the top transfer wide receiver pickups in the country. Pro Football Focus released its transfer wide receiver grades ahead of the 2025 season, and McCray finished No. 1 overall with an 84.8 grade — the highest mark among all transfer wideouts.

McCray arrived from Kent State in mid-December, giving then-head coach Jonathan Smith an early boost to the roster. While with the Golden Flashes, McCray earned All-MAC honors after posting 40 receptions for 705 yards and nine touchdowns, showcasing explosive ability and consistent scoring production.

At 5-foot-10 and 171 pounds, McCray’s game has never been about size. It’s about quickness, separation, and efficiency.

During the 2025 season, McCray caught 24 passes for 330 yards and three touchdowns. The raw numbers only tell part of the story.

Through his first six games, McCray totaled nine receptions for 165 yards and a touchdown, often rotating within a crowded receiver group while learning the offense and timing. Over the final five games, his role expanded significantly. He posted 15 receptions for 165 yards and two touchdowns, seeing a noticeably higher target share as the season progressed.

The turning point came on the road against the Iowa Hawkeyes, where McCray delivered six catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns. It was his most complete performance in a Michigan State uniform and a clear signal that trust had formed between McCray and quarterback Milivojevic. McCray became a preferred option in key situations — a trend that matters as Michigan State looks ahead to 2026 with Milivojevic projected as QB1.

McCray’s decision to exit the portal extends beyond the offense, as McCray also adds value on special teams. He returned two kickoffs in 2025 and has the open-field elusiveness to be a legitimate option as a punt returner. The coaching staff may consider expanding McCray’s role in that phase, particularly given his ability to make the first defender miss.

For first-year head coach Pat Fitzgerald, retaining McCray is a meaningful early win. In a transfer landscape where proven production often leads to constant movement, keeping a player who has already demonstrated chemistry, efficiency, and upside provides stability for the Spartans.

For MSU fans, McCray’s return represents more than just roster retention. It signals continuity, belief in the system, and a receiver poised to take a step forward rather than start over elsewhere.