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Michigan State football: 4 All-Big Ten candidates on defense for 2023

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 13, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Cal Haladay (27) during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Cal Haladay (27) during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State’s Cal Haladay looks on before the Spartans game against Akron on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.220910 Msu Akron Fb 052a
Michigan State’s Cal Haladay looks on before the Spartans game against Akron on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.220910 Msu Akron Fb 052a /

The swagless wonder that is Cal Haladay comes in at No. 2 on this list because, well, I think he’s pretty much a lock to make an All-Big Ten team, barring an injury.

In 2023, Haladay was a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and media and he was an honorable mention in 2021 as well as a Freshman All-American. All this means is that he’s going to take another step and earn first-team All-Big Ten honors.

Haladay is already on basically every single preseason honors watch list including the Nagurski Trophy and Butkus Award. That’s what happens when you lead the Big Ten in tackles per game.

The junior linebacker has been wildly productive over the past two seasons, recording 216 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, two touchdowns, and three forced fumbles. And he did all of that without wearing a pair of gloves. He’s truly built different.

We’re going to see Haladay become one of the best linebackers in the country in 2023 and potentially even become a finalist for both the Nagurski Trophy and Butkus Award.

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