Mel Tucker’s best player at Michigan State this season came from the transfer portal.

In fact, Tucker hit the transfer portal hard after last year’s 2-5 record. He’s known as a strong recruiter, but has definitely turned the portal into one of his biggest strengths on the recruiting trail.

He discussed that in his weekly press conference Monday afternoon.

The second-year coach made a huge splash in the offseason by landing Wake Forest transfer running back Kenneth Walker III, who has become the B1G’s leading rusher in his first season in East Lansing. He also brought in Anthony Russo from Temple, who pushed Payton Thorne throughout Michigan State’s quarterback competition. Throne, obviously, ended up starting.

But Tucker still does well recruiting the “old-fashioned way” — getting players out of high school. His Class of 2022 ranks fourth in the B1G, according to 247Sports.

Let’s also not forget Tucker offered a Class of 2025 prospect. Seriously. He’s relentless.