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The big thing is building the depth.  I said before the season, I liked MSU's starting 22 better than last year, but they certainly lost more than they brought in through the portal, and the depth concerned me.  That proved to be the case because while I don't think their total injuries were out of whack statistically, they were heavily concentrated in the defensive back seven.

The DL was ok against the run, but couldn't generate any pressure, and by the end of the year, MSU was starting a walk on true freshman at nickel back.  Purdue probably would have beaten us if Walters had realized earlier that he was passing against the worst back seven he had seen all season.  And even not realizing it until the second half, it took a dropped deep ball by a wide open WR, and an interception on a pass that was tipped 3 times for MSU to hold on.

I think the ongoing issue is going to be that aside from QBs, interior DL is going to be the most expensive positions in the portal.  MSU lost their two starting DTs to Oregon and Miami respectively.  I think they can build some depth in the back seven, but I'm very concerned about the trenches going forward.

The offense should get better, simply from OL improvements.  I think Chiles is back, he was already well paid to keep him from USC, and I can't imagine this year has increased his value.  Nick Marsh is well paid, but turned down better money from PSU because he's an MSU fan, and he likes Chiles.  "Better money" might become "silly money" this offseason, so it will be interesting to see if he stays.

Why is he leaving?

I know but it's only been a year. MSU could promote him too, right?

Have to keep Blue Adams.

hearing a lot of rumors about frosh WR Nick Marsh hitting the portal. from what I can tell it's just baseless internet talk. MSU has to do everything to keep him put- he's a future 1st-2nd rd NFL draft pick WR. stud.

Some options as Martin's replacement

Archie Collins is Pitt's secondary coach.  He played for MSU, and was a grad assistant who Narduzzi took with him as a position coach when he went to Pitt.  He would fill a similar role as Martin, as he has been Pitt's top rated recruiter.  But he would have less responsibility at MSU than he has at Pitt, although MSU could still presumably pay more, and it's his alma mater.

Gerren DuHart, OSU defensive assistant.  Day poached him a couple years back when he was a GA at MSU.  Also known as an elite recruiter.  Would be a promotion to come back to MSU, but again, could OSU pay him more, or promote him themselves

Renaldo Hill has been an NFL DB coach for the past 7 years.  He was not retained by Harbaugh when he got the Chargers job, so he's not currently working.  He's only mentioned due to being an alum, no real indication he wants to go back to the college ranks.

De'Angelo Smith, Ohio DB coach.  Played for Dantonio at Cincinnati, then was a GA during the peak Dantonio years at MSU.  I really like his profile, and he looks like probably the best "coach" of this group.  But considering what they lost in Martin, they might need Collins or DuHart for their recruiting.  Or maybe it's just about NIL, so go get the best Xs and Os guy you can.  I think that's this guy