Jordan Hall Returns to Lead Michigan State’s Defense in 2026
Jordan Hall isn’t done yet. The Michigan State linebacker, who led the team in tackles this past season, is coming back for one more run in East Lansing.
Hall made it official Monday evening with a simple message: “I’m back,” posted alongside a video set to Luke Combs’ “Back in the Saddle,” complete with the sounds of cracking pads. It was a fitting tone for a player who’s become the heart of the Spartans’ defense - and who’s about to play for his third coaching staff in as many years.
The Fredericksburg, Virginia native is Michigan State’s most experienced defensive returner heading into 2026. He logged 644 snaps this season - fourth-most on the team - and with the three players ahead of him all graduating, Hall’s presence takes on even greater weight. He’s also the only returning team captain from a group that’s seen significant turnover, including quarterback Aidan Chiles entering the transfer portal and several senior leaders graduating.
Hall’s journey with the Spartans has been anything but linear. A former four-star recruit out of IMG Academy, he committed to Michigan State as part of the 2023 class under then-head coach Mel Tucker. As a true freshman, Hall wasted no time making an impact, racking up 67 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
But when Jonathan Smith took over in 2024 and brought in Joe Rossi as defensive coordinator, Hall found himself in a different role. Rossi added Jordan Turner to the linebacker room, and Hall was asked to step up - not just in play, but in mindset. He embraced the challenge, appearing in 11 games as a backup and recording 26 tackles, showing growth even in limited snaps.
Fast forward to 2025, and Hall was once again the centerpiece of the defense. He led the team with 88 total tackles, forced three fumbles, tied for the team lead with 2.5 sacks, and snagged an interception in a comeback effort at Nebraska. Perhaps most impressively, he played through injury after getting banged up against Michigan on October 25 - and didn’t miss a game.
Beyond the stats, Hall’s leadership was on full display throughout a turbulent season. As the Spartans stumbled to a 4-8 finish (1-8 in Big Ten play), Hall remained a steady voice.
He didn’t shy away from the tough questions and called for accountability, all while continuing to lead off the field. Alongside defensive linemen Quindarius Dunnigan and Grady Kelly, he helped organize a Bible study group through Athletes in Action - a testament to his maturity and influence in the locker room.
After the season, Michigan State made another coaching change, parting ways with Smith and bringing in new head coach Robb Fitzgerald. Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi is staying on staff, and he’ll now work alongside former Spartan linebacker Max Bullough - a two-time captain and the cerebral leader of some of MSU’s most dominant defenses in the early 2010s.
With all the change, many players have opted to move on. Seventeen Spartans have entered the transfer portal so far, including defensive backs Elisha West and George Mullins. But Hall’s decision to stay is a major stabilizing force for a defense in transition.
Of the seven linebackers who saw snaps in 2025, only two have confirmed they’re returning: Hall and Brady Pretzlaff, who announced shortly after Fitzgerald’s hiring. Three others are in the portal, and Wayne Matthews III is graduating. Aisea Moa, a redshirt senior transfer from BYU, has yet to announce his plans.
Hall’s return gives Michigan State something they desperately need: a proven, battle-tested leader who’s seen the highs and lows of Big Ten football and is still standing tall. He’s not just back - he’s back to lead.