As we close in on another Michigan State football season, coaches are still gauging the Spartans' depth while trying to figure out where everyone falls on the depth chart.
There are still position battles going on and starting jobs up for grabs.
But for the most part, the staff knows who will be in the starting lineup for Michigan State when the season kicks off in less than two weeks against Western Michigan.
Michigan State has plenty of depth at certain position groups like defensive back, offensive line, and receiver, but the latter got a nice boost during fall camp with the return of a familiar face who entered the transfer portal in the spring.
According to Emmett Matasovsky of Spartan Shadows, Dyson Sims, the younger brother of former MSU tight end Dion Sims, is officially back with the team.
Dyson Sims is officially back on the roster, with MSU Football tagging him in their Instagram post following today’s scrimmage.
— Emmett Matasovsky (@E_Matasovsky57) August 17, 2025
Been quiet about this, but I had noticed Sims practicing during second media availability of the year. Welcome back to the team, Dyson! pic.twitter.com/rckcV3Oyjs
Sims is a preferred walk-on who joined the team ahead of the 2024 season, and while he didn't see any action, he thought he'd try his luck in the portal. He must have had a tough time finding a new home (or he had a change of heart) and decided to return to East Lansing, rejoining the team this fall.
The walk-on from Ann Arbor, Mich., will give the receiving corps a nice depth boost, but it's unlikely he'll be relied upon this season since Michigan State has three of the best receivers in the Big Ten.
Sims will fight for a spot on the depth chart, though he won't be in the two-deep (barring a barrage of injuries) because Michigan State has about 5-6 guys who could find their way into the starting lineup.
This is just the latest example of a player returning to MSU after previously entering the portal.