Aydan West Is Back-and That’s Big News for Michigan State’s Defense
Michigan State just got a major win this offseason, and it didn’t come from the transfer portal or a late signing-day flip. It came from a tweet.
Freshman cornerback Aydan West-one of the Spartans’ brightest young stars-announced he’s returning for his sophomore season. And he didn’t hold back on the message:
“Lord Jesus, thank you for everything you have blessed me with this year!! Year one was cool, but we coming for everything year two!”
That’s not just a feel-good post. That’s a tone-setter.
West’s return is a crucial piece for a Michigan State defense that’s undergone some reshuffling but kept key figures in place-most notably defensive coordinator Joe Rossi and safeties coach James Adams. With some turnover in the staff and a roster still looking for veteran leadership, West stepping up into that role as a sophomore could be a game-changer.
And here’s the thing: he’s already talking like a leader. After wrapping up his freshman campaign, West made it clear that leadership is one of his top priorities heading into year two. That’s not something you always hear from a player who just wrapped up his first college season, but it fits with how he’s wired-and how he plays.
Let’s rewind for a second. Before he ever put on the green and white, West was a star at Quince Orchard High School in Maryland.
He helped lead the program to back-to-back undefeated seasons and a pair of state titles. His senior year?
Five interceptions, two of them returned for touchdowns, and a perfect 13-0 record that ended with the Maryland 4A state championship. By the time he graduated, he held the school record for career interceptions (eight), including three pick-sixes.
Recruiting services took notice. West was one of the top-rated prospects in Maryland’s 2025 class-No. 18 according to 247Sports, No. 22 by Rivals, and No. 31 via ESPN. Nationally, he cracked the top 100 cornerbacks in all three major rankings, peaking at No. 54 on 247Sports.
But the real story is what he did once he got to East Lansing.
Like many true freshmen, West started the season quietly. Through the first eight games, he logged just four tackles as he adjusted to the college game and worked his way into the rotation. But everything shifted in Week 10.
That’s when Michigan State faced Minnesota, and while the Spartans didn’t come away with the win, it was a turning point-for the team and for West. Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic made his first start and showed flashes. On the other side of the ball, West broke out.
He didn’t just look good-he graded out as one of the best corners in the country that week, according to Pro Football Network. Among all corners in college football, West ranked fourth nationally in Week 10 with an 89.5 grade. That’s elite territory, especially for a first-year player.
Top Cornerback Grades, Week 10 (Pro Football Network):
- Donovan Jones, Nebraska - 93.2
- Hezekiah Masses, Cal - 92.8
- Mark Zackery IV, Notre Dame - 90.0
- Aydan West, Michigan State - 89.5
- Justin Eaglin, James Madison - 87.0
From there, West didn’t slow down. By the time Michigan State reached its season finale against Maryland, he had become a fixture in the secondary.
Playing at Ford Field, he delivered arguably his best game of the year: six solo tackles, eight total, and half a sack that went for a seven-yard loss. Those plays mattered-MSU picked up its only Big Ten win of the season that day, and West was right in the middle of it.
Now, with West back in the fold, the Spartans’ defensive picture is starting to take shape. Rossi and Adams return to guide the unit, and former Spartan linebacker Max Bullough joins the staff as co-defensive coordinator. It’s a group that’s blending continuity with fresh energy-and West is quickly becoming one of its foundational pieces.
If Michigan State is going to take a step forward in 2026, it won’t just be about scheme or recruiting classes. It’ll be about players like Aydan West-young, talented, and hungry-taking ownership of the program’s future. And based on everything we’ve seen so far, West is ready for that spotlight.
Year one was cool. Year two? It might be special.