If there’s one position group that Michigan State football fans are hoping Pat Fitzgerald starts focusing on in the transfer portal, it has to be the defensive line.
Fitzgerald has addressed the running back spot, backup quarterback, receiver, offensive line, linebacker, and defensive backfield, but the defensive line has left a lot to be desired so far. With a lot of needs addressed so far, he can focus on the defensive line, and he’s scheduling more visits as the portal window remains open.
Michigan State has added Trey Lisle, Keahnist Thompson, and Carlos Hazelwood in recent days, but the Spartans need more NFL talent.
The Spartans may be targeting some NFL talent in a certain Florida State transfer.
Jaden Jones, a Florida State defensive end transfer, will be in East Lansing on Saturday, according to the former JUCO product himself.
I will be visiting @MSU_Football tomorrow 👌 pic.twitter.com/6c61N3AZ8q
— Jaden Jones (@JadenJones334) January 10, 2026
This is a big visit because there was a point in time when people believed in Jones’ NFL future, and with a coach who has spent time teaching professional defensive linemen, that could become possible at Michigan State.
Jaden Jones was a massive ‘what if’ player at FSU
When Jones committed to Florida State from the junior college ranks, he was one of the highest-ranked JUCO players in his class. He was ranked No. 43 before committing to Florida State and Mike Norvell.
Unfortunately, he had knee injury issues throughout his time in Tallahassee, and fans put him in that ‘what if?’ category of players who could’ve been special if they stayed healthy.
One Florida State personality on Twitter even said that he always had “top-100 pick tools” but had to fight countless knee injuries just to make the Seminoles’ two-deep this past season.
Jaden. Jones.
— Clay Fink (@clay_fink) August 30, 2025
Drive Ending QB Hit against Projected First Rounder Kadyn Proctor. One of the best stories on the roster. Former JUCO guy who fought thru countless knee injuries to make the 2-deep. He’s always had top-100 pick tools pic.twitter.com/R328hN5FFO
That statement about Jones was made by someone who paid close attention to him for years and it was made less than half a year ago.
Top-100 tools would be welcomed in East Lansing with open arms.
Michigan State hasn’t had an effective defensive line in years, and with Alex VanSumeren and Jalen Thompson both leaving via the transfer portal, Fitzgerald needs to add guys who can not only play at the FBS level, but excel. That’s a position group that has fallen short since Mark Dantonio retired.