Jonathan Smith lands major win as key Spartan reportedly withdraws from transfer portal

Jonathan Smith is having a swift impact in East Lansing.

Since arriving at Michigan State, the new head coach has worked hard to improve Michigan State’s roster and keep a number of key pieces in the program. Wednesday afternoon, Smith landed another major win for the Spartans.

According to 247 Sports, star defensive lineman Derrick Harmon has officially withdrawn from the transfer portal. Harmon spent roughly 3 weeks in the transfer portal and even had visits lined up with Auburn, Ohio State and Oregon before reaching his decision.

247 Sports rated Harmon as the top defensive tackle available in the portal, giving Smith a key piece for the 2024 season in East Lansing:

Michigan State star d-lineman Derrick Harmon has withdrawn from the transfer portal, @mzenitz and I have learned for @247Sports.

Harmon ranks as the No. 64 overall player and No. 1 DT in the @247SportsPortal rankings. Big win for the new MSU staff. https://t.co/OgPP0MDzrQ pic.twitter.com/AtDkUJgQbT

— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) December 27, 2023

Harmon is listed at 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds and has spent 3 seasons in the program after arriving from Detroit’s Loyola High School. During the 2023 season, Harmon contributed 40 total tackles, 3.5 TFL and 1.5 sacks.

While there is still a ways to go before the 2024 season, Smith has things coming together for his first year leading the Spartans.