Miami transfer DB Charles Brantley commits to Michigan State

Miami transfer cornerback Charles Brantley has committed to Michigan State, On3’s Pete Nakos has learned. It’s a return to East Lansing for Brantley, who previously played four seasons for the Spartans from 2021-24 before transferring to Miami last offseason.

Brantley played in only three games for the Hurricanes this year, allowing him to count it as a redshirt for eligibility purposes. He totaled one tackle.

In four years with Michigan State, Brantley appeared in 31 games and started 24. He had career numbers of 103 tackles (4.5 for loss), five interceptions (including two returned for touchdowns), 18 passes defended and one sack.

As a member of the Class of 2021, Brantley was a three-star recruit out of Venice (Fla.) High, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He was the No. 83 overall prospect in the state, the No. 57 cornerback in the class and the No. 632 overall prospect in the class.

Charles Brantley is the 13th player that Michigan State has added through the transfer portal this cycle, as well as the third cornerback, joining Tre Bell and Tyran Chappell. The Spartans have also seen 32 players leave through the portal.

Michigan State is coming off of a 4-8 finish this past season, missing out on a bowl game for the fourth consecutive season. They’ll hope that bringing Brantley back as well as their other transfer portal moves can lead to better results in 2026.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

More on the transfer portal in 2026

The 15-day transfer portal this winter will be the only window, opening Jan. 2 and closing on Jan. 16. The NCAA opted to eliminate the spring transfer portal window for football, meaning this will be the only opportunity for student athletes to enter their names.

The move to a one-time-only portal is supposed to allow schools to finish their season with their entire team before the transfer portal opens. As has been the previous standard, athletes on College Football Playoff teams still playing would have 5 days beginning the day after their team’s final game to enter the transfer portal.

This season’s CFP semifinals are set for Jan. 8 and 9. The CFP national championship game is scheduled for Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.