If you’ve been following Michigan State football lately, you know the vibe in East Lansing is... well, it’s complicated. It’s early 2026, and the Michigan State Spartans football depth chart looks more like a high-stakes game of Tetris than a traditional roster. Between the coaching carousel that saw Jonathan Smith exit and Pat Fitzgerald step in, and a transfer portal window that feels more like a revolving door, keeping track of who is actually lining up at Spartan Stadium is a full-time job.
Honestly, the biggest misconception right now is that this is just a "rebuilding year." People say that every time a new coach arrives. But this isn't just a rebuild; it's a total structural overhaul. With over 30 scholarship players hitting the portal since December, the depth chart you see today is basically a living document. It's messy. It's volatile. And if we’re being real, it’s a little bit terrifying for fans who just want some stability.
The Quarterback Room: Alessio's Time or a Portal Surprise?
Let’s talk about the most important spot on the field. The quarterback situation is wild. Aidan Chiles is gone—headed to Northwestern, of all places. That leaves Alessio Milivojevic as the projected QB1 heading into the spring. He’s already gone on record saying he’s staying, which is a massive win for Fitzgerald. He showed enough flashes last season to make you think he’s the guy, but he's young. Very young.
Behind him, it gets thin fast. You’ve got Leo Hannan and Ryland Jessee likely competing for the backup role. But keep an eye on the incoming freshman, Kayd Coffman. He’s an in-state kid from East Kentwood who stuck with his commitment despite the coaching change. People are sleeping on him because he's a true freshman, but in this era of college football, if you're talented, you play.
The fascinating part? Michigan State's 2026 schedule features games against three of their former quarterbacks: Noah Kim (Eastern Michigan), Katin Houser (Illinois), and the aforementioned Chiles at Northwestern. It’s like a "Ghosts of Quarterbacks Past" tour.
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Rebuilding the Trenches: The O-Line and D-Line
You can’t win in the Big Ten if you’re getting bullied at the line of scrimmage. Period. The offensive line actually has a few "static spots" where things feel okay. Conner Moore is back at right tackle, and Stanton Ramil is expected to hold down the left side. These are the anchors.
But the interior? That’s where the questions start. Kristian Phillips at right guard and Rakeem Johnson at left guard are the current names to watch, but with the portal still active, don't be shocked if a graduate transfer walks in and takes a starting spot by August.
On the defensive side, it’s a bit of a scramble. Alex VanSumeren—a huge piece of the interior—is packing for USC. That’s a gut punch. To plug the holes, the staff has been aggressive. They’ve already landed Eli Coenen from Illinois and Carlos Hazelwood from Toledo. Are they All-Americans? Probably not yet. But they are experienced bodies who understand the physical toll of a 12-game season.
Linebackers: The Strength of the Defense
If there is one group that should make Spartans feel slightly more comfortable, it’s the linebackers. Jordan Hall is the heart and soul of this unit. He’s a captain, he’s a playmaker, and he didn't bolt when things got shaky.
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Fitzgerald has also been busy adding reinforcements here. Dion Crawford (Buffalo), Caleb Wheatland (Maryland/Auburn), and Cam Stodghill (Albany) have all committed recently. Crawford is particularly interesting—he’s a tackle machine with 12 career sacks. Pairing him with a rising star like Brady Pretzlaff gives MSU a linebacker corps that might actually be the best part of the team.
The Skill Positions: Replacing Nick Marsh
Losing Nick Marsh to the portal was a blow to the collective ego of Spartan Nation. He was the "big play" guy. Now, the Michigan State Spartans football depth chart at wide receiver looks like a wide-open audition.
- Omari Kelly (Senior): He’s the veteran presence now. He needs to be the "go-to" guy.
- Alante Brown: Returning for a 6th year. He provides leadership, but we need to see more production.
- Evan Boyd: A redshirt sophomore who has been waiting for his turn.
- Zach Washington: An incoming freshman from Illinois who could see the field early because of the lack of depth.
At running back, Brandon Tullis and Jace Clarizio are the lead dogs. With Makhi Frazier gone, these two will likely split carries in a "thunder and lightning" style rotation. Tullis is the power; Clarizio is the speed.
Why the "Official" Depth Chart Doesn't Exist (Yet)
If you’re looking for a locked-in, 1-through-3 depth chart, you won't find one that’s accurate for more than 48 hours. Between now and the February signing day, and then again after spring ball, this roster will shift.
What really happened with this team over the winter wasn't just a coaching change—it was a culture shock. Pat Fitzgerald brings a very different philosophy than Jonathan Smith. He wants "tough, smart, and dependable" (his words, basically). That means some guys who were starters under Smith might find themselves on the second or third string because they don't fit the new "Spartan Dawg" mold Fitz is trying to revive.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're trying to figure out how this team will actually perform, stop looking at the star ratings of the recruits and start looking at the "snap counts" of the transfers.
- Watch the February Signing Window: Keep an eye on Samson Gash. He’s a 4-star receiver who delayed his signing. If Fitz can keep him in the fold, it changes the outlook of the entire passing game.
- Spring Game Attendance: The spring game (usually in April) will be the first time we see the Milivojevic-led offense in a "live" setting. Pay attention to the backup OL rotations—that’s where the games will be won or lost.
- The Portal's Second Wave: Most people forget there’s another portal window after spring practice. Expect MSU to be extremely active there for defensive backs and another veteran WR.
The 2026 version of the Spartans is going to be a work in progress. It won't be perfect, and the depth chart will probably have some names you’ve never heard of starting on opening day against Toledo. But for the first time in a while, there seems to be a clear, albeit difficult, path forward.
Check back frequently as the spring portal window opens; that's when the final pieces of this puzzle will actually snap into place.