Former MSU Safety Jaden Mangham on the Differences Between the Spartans and Wolverines

Earlier this offseason, Michigan State lost many players to the transfer portal. Some of those players were much more important than others, and some were more impactful losses than others.

Such was the case when safety Jaden Mangham transferred to Michigan. The loss of Mangham was significant for more reasons than one, as not only did Michigan State lose Mangham, but they lost him to their biggest rival. During his last season at Michigan State, Mangham was selected by coaches and the media as an honorable mention Big Ten nominee and finished the season tied for sixth in the Big Ten with four interceptions, leading Michigan State’s defense in the category.

Mangham’s departure was undoubtedly a significant blow for Michigan State’s defense, as he started ten games for them last season and was slated to start at safety for them again this season. Mangham's transfer to Michigan State’s archrival only added salt to the wound. Mangham says he instantly noticed differences between how things are done in Ann Arbor and how they were done in East Lansing during his time there, under a different coaching staff than is currently at Michigan State.

“My experience has been great,” Mangham told Sam Webb of Michigan Insider. “You know, coming in, I could tell it was different. Like, doing things — the lifts, workouts, just running, seeing how people carried themselves, seeing how people prepare, you know? Seeing that, it was different. There were some guys who did do a little bit of that, but, you know, it’s just so much more here.”