Fall camp is speed-running right by us as the regular season is just about two weeks away. Actually, Michigan State’s home opener is exactly two weeks and two days from kickoff which means that it’s time for Pat Fitzgerald to really get down to business and start filling out his depth chart.
Much like the past few seasons, there’s not much proven depth on the roster which makes the 2026 season so scary for a lot of fans. That’s also why Vegas is projecting the win total to be in the 3-4 ballpark.
There are some position battles that could raise the ceiling of this team if they’re settled correctly, and these are the three that stand out the most.
1. Offensive line (the right side specifically)
Narrowing this down to one position along the offensive line would have been nearly impossible considering there are multiple positions that have yet to be solidified yet. Honestly, this is essentially for every single position outside of Trent Fraley at center. The offensive line position battles are the most important during fall camp and the right decisions could make the difference between a bowl berth and another 4-8 or 5-7 season.
Ben Murawski is likely the starting left tackle and Conner Moore looks good at left guard, but the right side of the offensive line is the one that’s deserving of the most attention.
Nick Sharpe could start at right guard after transferring in from South Carolina, Robert Wright Jr. is in the mix on that side of the line, Rustin Young could be an option, Luka Vincic may be my early favorite to start at guard (if healthy), AJ Dennis, Collin Campbell, and Rakeem Johnson are also looking to make moves.
There are a lot of cooks in the kitchen and Fitzgerald needs to whittle it down soon. This is the most important position battle for the Spartans this fall.
2. Edge rusher (opposite Kenny Soares Jr.)
Kenny Soares Jr. has obviously already locked down one of the starting spots on the edge, but the other side is just as important. Offenses aren’t going to fear the Spartans if Soares is the only guy who can get after the quarterback which is what makes the other edge that much more important during fall camp.
Isaac Smith may be the early favorite to win the job, but don’t count out Kekai Burnett, Anelu Lafaele, Keahnist Thompson, or Trey Lisle. The fan favorite might be Lafaele who had two sacks in five games last season before getting knocked out for the year with an injury.
If Michigan State can’t get into the backfield and make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable, it’s going to be another long, bowl-free season.
Not to be completely overlooked, but the defensive tackle spots are also critical. Ben Roberts and Eli Coenen are the projected starters, but Derrick Simmons is my breakout candidate pick.
3. Wide receiver
This spot easily could have gone to the tight ends because that’s a position that’s effectiveness has been promised to Michigan State fans since the Mel Tucker era but it has yet to follow through. A quality tight end group can make a real difference for an offense, but Michigan State hasn’t gotten a ton of production from this position — outside of Jack Velling — for about a decade now.
However, receiver is the position that many fans are worried about entering the season.
Chrishon McCray is back as the projected WR1 but outside of him, there’s very little experience. Rod Bullard Jr. could get a waiver to return for the 2026 season and he’s practicing like he’ll be back, but there’s always a chance he could get denied. Alongside Bullard is Charles Taplin, who has been a popular breakout pick, as well as Fredrick Moore from Michigan, KK Smith from Notre Dame, and potential redshirt freshman breakout candidates Braylon Collier and Bryson Williams.
Don’t sleep on Samson Gash who could find his way into the playing rotation this season, but if no receivers are stepping up, Alessio Milivojevic and Cam Edwards are going to have tough years.
Add us as a preferred source on Google