Having just one player selected in the 2025 NFL Draft felt like a disappointment for Michigan State football fans. This was yet another first-year head coach who struggled to get his first crop of pro-eligible guys to the NFL -- Mel Tucker didn't have a single player drafted after his first season.
Jonathan Smith did inherit a roster that was depleted after Tucker was fired and a number of guys hit the portal and other key guys graduated. Plus, that 2024 class was a disaster.
Smith still managed to land Luke Newman in the transfer portal and turned him into an NFL Draft pick and there are a number of guys who could follow his lead from the returning roster in 2026.
Which five Spartans could be the in the next crop of Smith draftees in the 2026 NFL Draft?
1. Jack Velling, TE
Jack Velling came to Michigan State with Smith from Oregon State and he was the top touchdown scorer at the position in the country. He had eight touchdown receptions with Oregon State in 2023 which led all tight ends. Unfortunately, Velling only caught one touchdown pass in 2024 after a slow start, but he did record a career-best 36 catches for 411 yards. In terms of tight end prospects, Velling has to be right up there, but he needs a big bounce-back year.
2. Wayne Matthews III, LB
Wayne Matthews III came to Michigan State ahead of the 2024 season as one of the most productive linebackers in the transfer portal. He had 135 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and three forced fumbles in 2023 with Old Dominion, but he missed three games with the Spartans and recorded just 33 total tackles. I think he has plenty of potential but that adjustment period from the Group of Five to the Power Four needs to be over. If he plays the way he's capable of, he can be a legitimate NFL prospect.
3. Matt Gulbin, OL
As one of Pro Football Focus' top returning offensive linemen heading into the 2025 season, Matt Gulbin looks like a guy who could be a force in the trenches. He comes over from Wake Forest and I think he's a legitimate pro prospect on the interior. I wouldn't be shocked to see him be the second straight transfer lineman to play for Smith and Jim Michalczik and turn into an NFL Draft pick.
4. Malik Spencer, DB
Malik Spencer was a guy who was dubbed a legit Day 2 prospect if he continued his growth before last season but he missed three games and took a step back in 2024. He finished with just 44 tackles, a tackle for loss, two pass breakups, and his first career interception. If he plays more like he did in 2023, I think he hears his name called. Spencer is a great athlete with a knack for finding the ball.
5. Aidan Chiles, QB
Laugh at this one all you want, but Aidan Chiles was the No. 1 quarterback in the transfer portal in 2024 and many experts even had him as a top-10 NFL prospect at the position midway through his turnover-ridden season with Michigan State. He has all the tools (size, arm strength, speed) but he needs to hone in on his accuracy and decision-making. If he cuts those turnovers and completes around 60-65 percent of his passes, he's going to get major NFL looks. The potential is very obviously there. Another year in Smith's system should help.