Michigan State just added another key piece to its future in the trenches, bringing in 2026 East Grand Rapids offensive tackle Cole Bertke as a preferred walk-on. And while walk-ons might not always grab the headlines, make no mistake-this is a meaningful addition for the Spartans.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 275 pounds, Bertke brings the kind of frame and physical tools that programs love to develop. He’s coming out of East Grand Rapids, a high school with a strong football pedigree and a coaching staff that knows how to prepare players for the next level. Bertke’s size, strength, and work ethic give him a solid foundation to compete in the Big Ten environment, even if he’s not arriving on scholarship.
What makes this move even more interesting is the built-in chemistry he brings. Bertke will reunite in East Lansing with his high school teammate Grant Adloff, a 2027 offensive line commit for Michigan State. That kind of continuity can be a quiet advantage-especially in the offensive line room, where trust and communication are everything.
Michigan State has shown a sharp eye for identifying preferred walk-on talent, and Bertke fits the mold of the type of player who can come in, push the competition, and grow into a contributor. These walk-ons aren’t just practice bodies-they’re depth builders, culture setters, and sometimes, down the road, surprise starters. Especially along the offensive line, where depth is tested constantly due to injuries, rotations, and the physical toll of the position, having a player like Bertke in the fold adds real value.
The Spartans are clearly committed to building a deep and durable roster, not just through headline-grabbing scholarships but by investing in high-upside, hard-nosed players who are ready to earn their way. Bertke’s addition is another step in that direction, and while he may fly under the radar for now, don’t be surprised if he becomes a name to remember in the coming years.