Four years ago, a three-star Dearborn Divine Child offensive lineman narrowed his list of potential suitors down to four, naming Michigan, Northwestern, Iowa, and Michigan State football as his finalists.
Unfortunately, the talented offensive lineman picked Northwestern and then-head coach Pat Fitzgerald over the in-state programs and Iowa.
Dylan Senda would end up transferring to Auburn and he never got to play for Fitzgerald. That’s where he’s been ever since, but on Tuesday afternoon, Senda decided to enter the transfer portal, according to his representative.
Auburn offensive lineman Dylan Senda is entering the transfer portal, his rep @flamp76 tells @PeteNakos.
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) December 30, 2025
The 6-foot-5, 303-pound OL is a former Northwestern transfer. https://t.co/kSYG7dYADj pic.twitter.com/vtYrUGhzOt
Senda spent three seasons with Auburn, but played a backup role and didn’t see much action for the Tigers. He was nothing more than a depth piece for Auburn, but one program’s loss could be another’s starter.
Michigan State could use Dylan Senda’s help
While Senda wasn’t exactly playing extensive snaps with Auburn, he may just need a change of scenery. I know that’s a cop-out for whenever a player doesn’t reach his potential, but Senda could really use a trip back home to maybe re-center himself.
And this isn’t even saying he played poorly at Auburn, he just couldn’t crack the playing rotation and his time was up.
This move to East Lansing would make sense for both sides. Michigan State needs the help on the offensive line, and Senda has already formed a relationship with Fitzgerald.
Michigan State’s offensive line has been a weakness for years, but if Nick Tabacca can retain a few more key players and add a couple Dylan Senda-types in the portal, he could start to build something in the trenches that’s worth celebrating.
Senda could join a group with AJ Dennis (already committed to a return), Stanton Ramil, Rustin Young, Kristian Phillips, Conner Moore, and Luka Vincic next season. On paper, that’s a solid group, but Tabacca is going to have to dig deep into the portal to fill out his ideal two-deep when spring ball begins.
Senda was the No. 515 overall recruit in the 2023 class, and he committed to the Wildcats despite holding offers from Iowa, Michigan State, Michigan, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami, Missouri, Penn State, and Pitt.
I’m guessing he’s going to get a call from Fitzgerald very soon.