Michigan State football is heading into a pivotal offseason - one that could shape the trajectory of the program for years to come. After a stretch of underwhelming results and high roster turnover under both Mel Tucker and Jonathan Smith, the Spartans are hoping that new head coach Pat Fitzgerald can bring stability and direction to East Lansing.
The challenges are real. Roster continuity has been elusive, and while there were signs of improvement in high school recruiting under the previous regimes, success in the transfer portal - especially when it came to building a cohesive, competitive roster - remained inconsistent.
Now, with the transfer window set to open next month, Fitzgerald and his staff have a chance to address some glaring needs. And there are three position groups that stand out as top priorities.
1. Offensive Line: The Foundation Needs Reinforcement
Let’s start in the trenches. Michigan State’s offensive line has been a sore spot for years, and fixing it has to be at the top of Fitzgerald’s to-do list. There’s a new face leading the charge in offensive line coach Nick Tabacca, and he’ll have his work cut out for him.
There’s talent in the room - Stanton Ramil, Conner Moore, Luka Vincic, Kristian Phillips, Andrew Dennis, and Rustin Young all bring intriguing potential. But the key question is retention. A coaching change often leads to player movement, and keeping this core intact will be a challenge.
Even if all those names return, depth and competition are still concerns. This unit hasn’t consistently held up against Big Ten fronts, and adding a couple of experienced, portal-ready linemen could go a long way in shoring up protection and establishing a more reliable run game. Whether it’s interior help or another tackle, Michigan State needs reinforcements up front - and fast.
2. Secondary: A Rebuild, Not Just a Reload
The back end of the defense has been a problem spot for Michigan State for several seasons, and the situation hasn’t improved much. The Spartans are getting Aydan West back, which gives them a promising piece to build around. There’s also a chance Nikai Martinez returns after redshirting this past season, which would be a boost - but even with those two in the mix, this group needs a serious influx of talent.
Several members of the secondary have already entered the transfer portal, and more departures could be on the horizon. Add that to years of inconsistent play in both coverage and tackling, and it’s clear that Fitzgerald and his defensive staff need to prioritize both cornerback and safety in this cycle.
Expect Fitzgerald to lean into his defensive background here. He knows what a disciplined, aggressive secondary looks like, and he’ll be aiming to reshape this group into something that can hold up against the pass-heavy looks that are becoming more common across the Big Ten.
3. Defensive Line: Time for a Reset
If the Spartans want to take a meaningful step forward defensively, it’s not just the secondary that needs attention. The defensive line has quietly been a persistent issue - particularly when it comes to generating pressure.
There’s some optimism that Derrick Simmons could return, and that would be a huge win. Veterans like Jalen Thompson and Alex VanSumeren would also bring leadership and experience to a group that’s struggled to consistently disrupt opposing quarterbacks. But a lot hinges on who gets hired as the new defensive line coach.
That hire will likely determine who stays and who goes. And once that’s settled, don’t be surprised to see some roster movement.
The defensive line is a group that could benefit from a fresh start - both in terms of scheme and personnel. A new coach with a strong development track record and the ability to recruit in the portal could breathe life into a unit that’s been stagnant for too long.
This offseason is more than just a rebuild - it’s a reset. Fitzgerald inherits a program that’s seen too much turnover and too little progress. But with the transfer portal opening soon and key hires falling into place, the opportunity is there to start reshaping Michigan State’s identity, beginning with the offensive line, secondary, and defensive front.
The Spartans don’t need a miracle. They need smart, aggressive roster management and a clear vision for what this team can become. And it starts right now.