Antonio Gates Jr. is hitting the transfer portal after 2 seasons in East Lansing.

According to Chris Hummer with 247 Sports, Gates is in the portal as of Monday afternoon. A former 4-star recruit, Gates is the son of former NFL tight end Antonio Gates.

Gates struggled to carve out early playing time while at Michigan State. During his second season with the Spartans, Gates played sparingly with just 5 catches for 82 yards and a touchdown.

Coming out of high school, Gates was a key in-state prospect and one of the nation’s key WR prospects as a 4-star member of the 2022 recruiting class. He was the No. 9 player out of Michigan per the 247 Sports Composite.

It’s possible Gates’ path to more playing time would be limited in the 2024 season. Montorie Foster, the leading receiver from last season, is back with the Spartans, and true freshman Nick Marsh looks like a candidate for early playing time.

Beyond that group, Jonathan Smith brings a new offense to East Lansing with an increased emphasis on running the ball and utilizing the tight end. That unit made a big impression at the spring showcase, but it looks like Gates will not be a piece to that puzzle this fall.