Another former Michigan State football player found a new school, this time in his home state and the same conference.
Jack Olsen, a redshirt freshman kicker, announced Tuesday night via Twitter he is transferring to Northwestern. Olsen entered the transfer portal on April 25, one day after participating in Michigan State’s last spring practice.
Olsen, from Wheaton Warrenville South High School in Illinois, signed with Michigan State’s 2020 recruiting class as an early enrollee after being listed as the No. 2 kicker in the nation by Chris Sailer Kicking.
Olsen didn’t appear in a game as a true freshman last season. Although he appeared to be the program’s kicker of the future, his outlook for playing time this fall took a big hit when four-year starter Matt Coghlin in January announced he is returning for a sixth year to use the additional season of eligibility the NCAA granted all fall sports athletes due to COVID-19.
Coghlin ranks second in program history in career field goals made (64), third in field goal attempts (85), fourth in field goal percentage (75.3) and fifth in points scored (305).
Michigan State now has only two scholarship kickers on the roster in Coghlin and fifth-year senior Cole Hahn, who is recovering from knee surgery. Coghlin is the only player on the team who has attempted a field goal or extra point for the Spartans.
Michigan State has had 26 players enter the portal since November and Olsen is one of nine to do so since April 24. Of the nine to enter the portal since spring practice ended, Olsen is the second to commit to a new school, joining offensive lineman Justin Stevens, who is headed to Central Michigan.
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