Harlon Barnett has done his best to pick up the pieces for Michigan State following Mel Tucker’s suspension and eventual firing. The Spartans showed some resolve and fought in Iowa City Saturday night but ultimately fell to Iowa by a final score of 26-16.

After the game, Barnett was asked about the transfer portal and the potential decisions facing the roster. With Tucker officially fired this week, players have a 30-day window to decide if they will enter the portal or not before the next official transfer window.

Barnett admitted anyone who hits the portal will still be loved by the MSU program, but the team will move forward and fight with whoever remains in the locker room:

“If that’s what they choose to do, that’s their choice, and we tell them what we’re gonna do as far as that’s concerned. Still love those guys, wish them well, but that was the decision they made and okay. More power to you, we’re gonna fight with the guys that are still in the locker room,” said Barnett. “And as you can see, these guys are fighting. They’re fighting. They’re giving us everything they’ve got.”

So far, the team has learned defensive back Justin White and long snapper Hank Pepper have opted for the portal. Here is what Barnett had to say about those specific decisions:

“In Justin’s case, I think he felt like he should be playing more, okay? In Hank’s case, I think he wanted to just be able to possibly have another year after talking with his family,” said Barnett. “Being as honest as I can be.”