Michigan State football has bolstered its defense via the portal yet again.
Pat Fitzgerald has focused heavily on the defensive side of the ball in the transfer portal, picking up several linebackers, defensive backs, and even some defensive linemen, but there’s obviously still a need for more quality, starting-caliber transfers.
The Spartans are landing quality transfers daily, and they’re also hosting highly-coveted transfers on a weekly basis.
On Sunday, a recent visitor, and highly-touted transfer target, committed to Michigan State.
BREAKING: #MichiganState has landed #Buffalo standout LB transfer Dion Crawford.
— Justin Thind (@JustinThind) January 11, 2026
He has 171 career tackles, 21 TFLs and 12 sacks, including a 12-tackle game vs Minnesota in ‘25.
Was named All-MAC Third Team in 2024.
More on the productive LB (FREE):https://t.co/hqkaADnTvG pic.twitter.com/kz9nXXwVCC
Dion Crawford, a star linebacker from Buffalo who entered the portal a week ago, has committed to Michigan State over interest from several other programs. including Pitt who just hired his defensive coordinator. The Panthers had to be the favorite before hosting Crawford a day later.
Crawford had 171 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks over his Buffalo career and he was named third-team All-MAC in 2024. This is a fantastic addition for Fitzgerald.
The Buffalo transfer could add some weight and become an edge rusher for the Spartans seeing as he played that type of role for the Bulls back in 2024. He had 59 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks in the 2024 season alone. He finished with 81 tackles in 2025, but his sack and tackle-for-loss numbers dipped.
Dion Crawford gives Michigan State a fun new weapon
Michigan State could use more help on the pass-rushing front, so why not add a linebacker/edge type who has 21 career tackles for loss and 12 sacks? He can be used in numerous ways, but Max Bullough is going to get the most out of him.
For anyone who’s worried about his ability to hang in the Big Ten, Justin Thind pointed out that he had a 12-tackle game earlier this season against Minnesota.
The Spartans have been disappointing on the defensive side of the ball ever since Mark Dantonio retired, and Fitzgerald is bringing that hard-nosed mentality back. The pieces he’s added from the portal on the defensive side of the ball have given this group an entirely fresh outlook for 2026.
Crawford is going to be a fun weapon for Bullough and Joe Rossi to use.