Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi looks to transfer

EAST LANSING » Rocky Lombardi, the quarterback who led Michigan State to its two victories, is looking to transfer to another school.

Lombardi told the Detroit Free Press that he’s placed his name in the transfer portal.

He started nine games in four seasons, including victories this season over Michigan and Northwestern, which eventually won the Big Ten West.

But Lombardi struggled against Indiana and Ohio State. He left the Ohio State game after a hard tackle and didn’t play against Penn State. Payton Thorne replaced Lombardi at quarterback.

“The portal is here. It is not going away,” coach Mel Tucker said Tuesday. “We’re gonna embrace it. I’ve gotten players out of the portal, and I’ve seen guys go into the portal. That’s part of college football now.”