Joshua Burnham Enters Transfer Portal - Could a Homecoming to Michigan State Be Next?
Joshua Burnham’s path to this point has been anything but ordinary. A few years back, the Traverse City native was one of the most sought-after linebacker prospects in the country - a top-100 recruit with offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Alabama, and Ohio State. But instead of staying in-state or heading to the SEC, Burnham chose Notre Dame, joining Marcus Freeman’s first roster as head coach and betting on a program with a rich linebacker tradition and a clear pipeline to the NFL.
Now, after four seasons in South Bend, Burnham is back in the transfer portal, looking for a fresh start and a bigger role. And there’s a clear landing spot that makes a whole lot of sense: Michigan State.
A Talented Linebacker Looking for His Moment
Burnham’s time at Notre Dame wasn’t without impact, but it also wasn’t what many envisioned when he committed as the No. 76 overall player in the 2022 class. He saw limited action as a freshman, then carved out a rotational role from 2023 through 2025. In total, he’s logged 64 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks - solid production, especially considering the depth and talent Notre Dame has consistently fielded at linebacker.
This past season, Burnham posted 16 tackles and three sacks - numbers that hint at his disruptive potential when given the opportunity. The 2026 campaign was shaping up to be his breakout year, with a starting job finally within reach. But instead of waiting, he’s opted to take control of his future and find a program where he can be a key piece from day one.
Why Michigan State Makes Sense
Let’s connect the dots here.
Burnham is a Michigan native. He’s from Traverse City.
He was coached at Notre Dame by Max Bullough - a name that rings loud in Spartan circles. Bullough, also from Traverse City, is now the linebackers coach at Michigan State.
That’s not just a connection - that’s a full-circle moment waiting to happen.
The Spartans, under new leadership and looking to re-establish their identity, have long prided themselves on toughness and grit - two traits Burnham brings in spades. He fits the mold of the classic Michigan State linebacker: physical, instinctive, and relentless. And with a linebacker room that’s still developing, Burnham could step in as both a playmaker and a veteran leader.
This isn’t just about geography or sentimentality. It’s about fit - on the field, in the locker room, and within the culture Michigan State is trying to rebuild.
A Chance to Finish Strong
For Burnham, this final collegiate season is about more than just playing time. It’s a chance to remind everyone why he was one of the top defensive recruits in the country.
It’s a chance to showcase his ability in a starting role, in a Power Five conference, with NFL scouts watching closely. And it’s a chance to do it back in his home state, potentially wearing the green and white of a program that’s hungry for a resurgence.
There’s still plenty to be decided - the transfer portal is unpredictable, and Burnham will have no shortage of suitors. But if you’re looking for a move that checks every box - talent, opportunity, familiarity, and storybook symmetry - Michigan State might just be the perfect next chapter.
Burnham’s back on the market. And East Lansing should be paying close attention.