Forget the preseason lists if you want, but Michigan State’s running back room is shaping up to be one of the biggest surprises on the roster.
That might sound like a bold take in July, especially with Pick Six Previews slotting the Spartans at No. 15 in the Big Ten at the position. But after a complete overhaul, that number feels way too low for what Michigan State is bringing into 2026.
The biggest reason is the top end. UConn transfer Cam Edwards arrives with real production on his résumé, having rushed for over 2,600 yards and 27 touchdowns in 36 career games.
He looks like the kind of back who can take over quickly. Right behind him is Marvis Parrish, last year’s star freshman at Western Kentucky, who transferred in after rushing for 576 yards and 5.4 yards per carry in 2025.
And the Spartans didn’t stop there. Jaziun Patterson comes over from Iowa with more than 850 rushing yards and four touchdowns across his four-year Hawkeye career, giving Michigan State another experienced piece who can strengthen the rotation.
There’s still returning talent in the mix, too. Brandon Tullis is back as the leading rusher from last season’s team after putting up 301 yards and four touchdowns on 4.4 yards per carry. He’ll be joined by Zion Gist and former four-star East Lansing product Jace Clarizio.
That gives Michigan State three returning backs and three incoming transfers, and all six have a case to matter. On paper, this looks like a room that should be much better than the preseason ranking suggests. By the end of the season, it wouldn’t be surprising if it looks like one of the top five backfields in the Big Ten and one of the 15-20 best in the country.
The bigger picture is simple: if the offensive line takes a step forward, the backs should follow. And if that happens, Michigan State’s running game could end up looking a lot stronger than anyone is giving it credit for right now.
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Michigan State Fans May Not Love Where This Rebuild Really Stands
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The challenge now is less about dreaming big than proving the foundation is real, and that starts with simply getting back to respectability this fall. Even with the Big Ten title still viewed as a longer-range goal, the more pressing question is whether Michigan State can take a meaningful step forward soon enough to make the rebuild feel like progress instead of another reset. [Read more 🡒]