Dillon Tatum transfers from Michigan State to Northwestern

Former Michigan State defensive back Dillon Tatum has announced his transfer to Northwestern, remaining in the Big Ten with two years of eligibility left. Tatum, a former four-star recruit, reunites with Harlon Barnett, his former position coach and Michigan State interim head coach, who now serves as Northwestern's safeties coach. During his time at Michigan State, Tatum played in 22 games, starting nine, and recorded 62 tackles and eight pass breakups, but his 2024 season was cut short by a leg injury in the opener. After graduating from Michigan State, he entered the transfer portal post-spring practice and received significant interest from other programs before committing to Northwestern. The move strengthens Northwestern’s secondary, though Michigan State and Northwestern are not scheduled to play each other in the next two seasons. Tatum's transfer is part of a broader trend of player movement following coaching changes and injuries at Michigan State.