UCF’s starting safety transfers to Michigan State
Michigan State’s secondary revamp continues with the inclusion of another portal.
Nikai Martinez, a junior starting safety from Central Florida, revealed his transfer to the Spartans on social media on Friday. He entered the portal in April, with two seasons of eligibility left.
Martinez is Michigan State’s second defensive back transfer pledge this week, joining North Carolina’s Lejond Cavazos. Ed Woods, an Arizona State cornerback transfer, committed to the Spartans on April 30.
Martinez, who stood 5 feet 11 and weighed 170 pounds, recorded 75 tackles, three for a loss, one sack, and three interceptions in 27 games during two years at Central Florida.
Martinez, a former four-star prospect from Florida, played in all 14 games as a true freshman in 2022. He set career highs with 54 tackles and tied for the team lead with three interceptions while starting all 13 games for the Knights last season.
Last season, Michigan State relied heavily on youth in the secondary, with true freshmen Chance Rucker and Dillon Tatum starting at cornerback and second-year players Jaden Mangham and Malik Spencer at safety. Tatum worked at safety during spring practice with new secondary coach Blue Adams and cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin, while Spencer got a look at nickelback. Mangham joined the site after spring practice ended and is looking for a new school. Angelo Grose returns with starting experience at safety and nickelback.
Michigan State lost 17 scholarship athletes from their spring roster to the portal, including six defensive backs. Martinez is the Spartans’ 10th transfer this spring.