Mel Tucker hit the transfer portal with gusto in 2021. The result? An 11-2 season capped off by an AP top-10 finish and Peach Bowl victory.

It’s time to target the portal once more. And no, that’s not a request from boosters and fans at Michigan State, either.

The Spartans’ sub-.500 season now has the B1G East program in turmoil. Tucker, who signed a 10-year, $95 million extension following a 2nd win over Michigan last season, will be back in the saddle for at least another year. And while Spartans everywhere might be groaning, there has been a secret to the 3rd-year coach’s success.

The portal. It worked in 2021. Will it work in 2023?

Here are 5 positions Michigan State should target this offseason:

1. Defensive line

Michigan State’s defensive front was lackluster in rushing the quarterback, but it underwhelmed even more defending the run. The Spartans allowed opponents to average 4.3 yards per run and nearly 180 per game. They also allowed 14 rushing touchdowns, 11 of which came from inside the red zone.

Jacoby Windmon might transition back to defensive end, as his production diminished when asked to play outside linebacker following a 4-sack outing in the season-opening win over Western Michigan. Even if the junior returns to the trenches, MSU’s defensive linemen totaled 11 sacks, 4 of which came by sophomore defensive tackle Simeon Barrow.

Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State finished top-3 among B1G programs in sacks with 32 or more. All 3 schools finished with double-digit wins. Last season, the Spartans led the conference with 43 sacks. The result? Double-digit wins.

2. Defensive back

Cornerback. Safety. Nickelback. Look at this photograph. Regardless of your thoughts on the popular Canadian band, it’s hard not to look back and laugh at the abysmal play of Michigan State’s secondary this past season.

While the pass coverage improved as the season progressed, the Spartans never could close the deal in terms of turnovers. They allowed 24 touchdowns and recorded only 2 interceptions, the fewest among all FBS programs. On top of that, Xavier Henderson, Ronald Williams II and others are slated to leave this offseason.

Charles Brantley is the only returning defensive back with quality starting reps. This unit could use a veteran presence after finishing 86th nationally defending the pass.

3. Interior offensive line

For as limited as the run game was in East Lansing, pass protection was good. The Spartans allowed just 18 sacks, an average of 1.5 per game. Outside of games against the top 3 pass-rushing schools in the conference, Michigan State allowed 9 total sacks.

But the run-blocking will have to improve.

Proven depth is needed up the middle. Nick Samac, JD Duplain and Brian Greene all are seniors, with Greene being a graduate in his final year of eligibility. Dallas Fincher and Geno VanDeMark both are underclassmen with little experience. Behind them, no one else has seen reps.

Any player who is versatile enough to fight for starting reps should be at the forefront of Tucker’s wish list.

4. Wide receiver

Jayden Reed is going pro after being the go-to target the past 2 seasons. Could Keon Coleman test the transfer portal after a promising sophomore campaign? Even if the 6-foot-4 Louisiana product were to stay, will Tre Mosley step up as the team’s new No. 2? Is there an incoming freshman who could take on the mantle of Mr. Consistency in place of Reed?

In today’s game, having at least 2 standout receivers betters a team’s chances of winning a national title. Look at Ohio State and its 4-man receiver room that consistently is putting up record-setting numbers. The passing attack opens the run. The run opens the pass. Long story short; offenses become multi-dimensional with better personnel.

Even if the Spartans elect to move off Payton Thorne and target another quarterback, adding in at least 1 veteran pass-catcher would do wonders for a passing game that finished 56th nationally. If a vertical option becomes available, bringing in the speed could bring in a few more wins.

5. Tight end

A quarterback’s best friend can often be the tight end due to the position’s role as a security blanket. The only security for the Spartans is that Maliq Carr is a redshirt sophomore and should be back next fall. Everyone else is either a senior or has done little to prove they belong in the starting lineup.

Carr offers value as a flex option due to his route-running skills and soft hands. Last season, he finished 2nd among tight ends in receptions (16), receiving yards (209) and touchdowns (2), trailing only senior Daniel Barker. Perhaps Carr improves as a run blocker, but adding a bigger red zone threat who could open lanes for the backs might be an under-the-radar move.

The Spartans ran multiple offensive looks in 2022, including 2-tight end sets. Adding in another good-blocking TE could pay dividends when it comes to opening up the playbook.