Michigan State football gets the biggest piece of its defensive puzzle back for 2026

The biggest piece of the puzzle on the defensive side of the ball is officially back with Michigan State football for the 2026 season.

Michigan State has gotten some key players back on both sides of the ball, but there was none bigger on offense than Alessio Milivojevic. Obviously getting some other offensive contributors back will be nice, but that was the most important returnee.

Now, the Spartans got their biggest defensive player back.

Jordan Hall announced the news on his social media accounts on Tuesday night.

The news didn't come as a complete shock, but it was never truly a guarantee. It feels like he's the perfect linebacker to learn under this new defense, co-led by Max Bullough.

Hall feels like a Mark Dantonio era linebacker like Bullough who exuded toughness and grittiness. Those defenses under Dantonio were some of the best in program history and they really put the nation on notice. Having Connor Cook, Jeremy Langford, and Tony Lippett on offense was cool, but those defenses really stole the show and made the program a respected one nationally.

Bullough is going to love Hall.

Jordan Hall is the glue that MSU's defense needs

If there was ever a "glue guy" on the defensive side of the ball, it has to be Hall. He's making the calls, diagnosing the plays, stepping up in the run, and dropping back for passes. He has to do a little of everything, and he does it so well. Hall has really been the heartbeat of Michigan State's defense.

Now that he's coming back under a defensive-minded staff with one of the smartest players that Mike Vrabel (New England Patriots) has ever coached, he's going to flourish.

Hall's 2025 season was a productive one, and he was easily the most consistent player on the defensive side of the ball. He finished with 88 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and an interception. He was doing everything for Michigan State's defense, and now that he's back for his senior season under Bullough, it feels like All-American is a possibility.

Joe Rossi has to be thrilled to get his guy back.

With Brady Pretzlaff and Hall confirmed back, it feels like linebacker could be the best ps