Former Auburn OL Dylan Senda Hits the Portal - Could a Return Home Be in the Cards?
Dylan Senda’s college football journey has taken a few twists since his high school days at Dearborn Divine Child, and now, it’s taking another turn. The 6-foot-5, 303-pound offensive lineman is officially back in the transfer portal after three seasons at Auburn, opening the door for a fresh start - and potentially, a return to familiar territory.
Senda originally committed to Northwestern as part of the 2023 class, choosing the Wildcats over a strong list of suitors that included Michigan, Michigan State, and Iowa. He never ended up playing for then-head coach Pat Fitzgerald, and eventually made his way to Auburn. But his time with the Tigers was mostly spent in a reserve role, providing depth along the offensive front without cracking the regular rotation.
Now, with eligibility remaining and experience in two Power Five programs under his belt, Senda is looking for a new opportunity - and Michigan State should be paying close attention.
A Natural Fit in East Lansing?
Let’s be clear: Senda didn’t see a ton of action at Auburn, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have value. Sometimes, a change of scenery is exactly what a player needs to unlock the next level of his game. And for Senda, a return to his home state could be that reset button.
Michigan State’s offensive line has been a sore spot in recent seasons. The Spartans have struggled to find consistency up front, and while there are some promising pieces in the pipeline, depth and experience remain critical needs - especially with a new coaching staff trying to rebuild the program from the trenches out.
That’s where someone like Senda could come in. He may not be a headline-grabbing transfer, but he brings size, toughness, and the kind of Big Ten-ready frame that can help stabilize a unit in transition. He also has existing ties to the region and familiarity with the types of offensive systems run in the conference, which could ease the learning curve.
The Current OL Picture at MSU
If Senda were to land in East Lansing, he’d be joining a group that’s starting to take shape. AJ Dennis is locked in for another season, and guys like Stanton Ramil, Rustin Young, Kristian Phillips, Conner Moore, and Luka Vincic are all expected back. On paper, that’s a solid foundation - but depth is still a concern, and offensive line coach Nick Tabacca knows it.
The Spartans need to build out a reliable two-deep before spring ball, and that means hitting the portal hard. Adding a player like Senda - a former top-600 recruit with multiple years in Power Five programs - would be a smart, low-risk move with potential upside.
The Recruiting Pedigree
Senda wasn’t just a late bloomer or a lightly recruited prospect coming out of high school. He was the No. 515 overall recruit in the 2023 class and held offers from a long list of major programs: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami, Missouri, Penn State, and Pitt. That kind of attention speaks to his potential, even if he hasn’t fully tapped into it yet.
With the portal now a central part of roster building in college football, players like Senda - experienced, hungry, and looking for the right fit - are exactly the type of additions that can quietly elevate a team’s floor. He may not be a headline-grabber, but he could be a key piece in Michigan State’s effort to rebuild its identity in the trenches.
And with the Spartans still looking for help up front, don’t be surprised if that call comes sooner rather than later.