The preseason hasn't been kind to too many former Michigan State stars, but some good news has come out regarding some Spartans this week, starting with Nate Carter reportedly making the Falcons' 53-man roster.
It also looks like Joe Bachie is securely locked into a roster spot with the Indianapolis Colts.
It hasn't been all sunshine and roses for former Michigan State players, as I said, however. Guys like Ameer Speed, Matt Sokol, Montorie Foster Jr., Kenny Willekes, and Mike Panasiuk were all cut this preseason, and former Spartan Derrick Harmon suffered a scary injury, but it looks like he'll be OK. I've also been loosely paying attention to other former Spartans, and both Michael Fletcher (Chicago Bears) and Simeon Barrow Jr. (Atlanta Falcons) were also cut this preseason.
Bachie, on the other hand, has carved out a nice career in the NFL as a backup linebacker, but he could soon be in that starting rotation, especially if his play from the preseason carries over.
According to Pro Football Focus, Bachie has been the highest-graded Colt this preseason.
Highest-graded #Colts of the 2025 preseason per PFF (35 min. snaps):
— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) August 24, 2025
- LB Joe Bachie (91.2)
- DE Isaiah Land (90.8)
- TE Tyler Warren (86.8)
- CB Alex Johnson (86.8)
- TE Jelani Woods (82.9)
- OL Luke Tenuta (80.0)
- WR Coleman Owen (79.9)
Bachie graded out at 91.2 which, if you follow PFF grades, is incredibly high.
The former Michigan State star linebacker went undrafted in 2020, but has found a way to catch on with a few different organizations now. He started with the Eagles, then he was with the Cincinnati Bengals for the past few years before the Colts signed him this offseason. And with injuries to fellow linebackers, his role could actually increase this year.
Bachie always had the potential to be a solid linebacker at the professional level, and I think we're starting to see him round into form.