A former Michigan State star could soon be joining the Detroit Lions to start alongside Aidan Hutchinson on the other side of the defensive line.
Zion Young, a standout Michigan State defensive end from 2022-23, is looking more and more like one of the best options for the Lions at No. 17 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Who would have thought that the former Spartan defensive end who transferred to Missouri would become a first-rounder? I knew he was good, but I didn't think he'd be this good.
Fortunately, he might be returning to Michigan to play for another team that many Spartan fans root for. Young has reportedly met with the Detroit Lions during the NFL Combine this week.
With the No. 17 pick right where Young is projected to go and in need of another elite defensive end to complement Hutchinson, the Lions make the most sense for the former Spartan.
Some draft experts, like Mel Kiper, have mocked Young to the Lions.
All signs are pointing to Detroit being a serious contender to land the former Spartan who transferred to Missouri after the 2023 season. It turns out that was the right move because the Tigers were one of the better teams in the SEC and Michigan State regressed under Jonathan Smith.
Now, Young might be back in Michigan wearing the Honolulu blue soon.
Zion Young exploded after leaving Michigan State
Zion Young essentially became a household name in the SEC after leaving Michigan State. For those of us who saw him as a future star in East Lansing, watching him break out for Missouri was bittersweet. On one hand, you can't blame him for leaving, and on the other, you wanted him to help Michigan State.
Soon he might be on a team that most of us are rooting for.
With Michigan State, Young had 47 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks over two years. In two years at Missouri, he exploded with 84 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and nine sacks. He also had five pass breakups and three forced fumbles, proving he impacts the game in all ways.
The Lions need some pass rushing help and another star defensive end opposite Hutchinson, and that may just end up being in the form of a former Spartan.