Last year’s Michigan State football defense was a significant weakness for the Spartans, with the unit finishing outside of Pro Football Focus’ top 100 (112).
During the offseason, Michigan State hired new head coach Jonathan Smith and many players from the roster left the team for the transfer portal. Great defenders like Derrick Harmon, Jaden Mangham, Simeon Barrow Jr. and many others left the team to play for a better opportunity.
However, Coach Smith has brought in quality players from the portal to fill the gaps. Players like Wayne Matthews III, Ed Woods and Jalen Satchell are all solid additions who will likely start right away. Smith has also brought in players like Jeremiah Hughes and Semaj Bridgeman who may not play right away but could have important roles down the road.
Brett Ciancia of 247Sports reviewed all of the Big Ten defenses and ranked them as either upside or downside. Ciancia placed Michigan State in the upside category.
“This is another defense that finished in the bottom 10 of the Power 5 last year but benefits from a top-20 amount of returning production,” Ciancia said. “No, they won’t resemble the old Dantonio-era no-fly zone units overnight, but Jonathan Smith’s team will certainly get them out of the bottom 10.”
