Once again, Michigan State football got better on Tuesday afternoon.
Pat Fitzgerald landed his 25th public commitment on Tuesday in the form of a former linebacker of his from Northwestern who transferred to NC State following the head coach’s departure from the program.
At NC State, Kenny Soares Jr. was a star linebacker.
Now, he’s a Spartan.
BREAKING: Michigan State adds experience to the middle of its defense, landing former NC State starting linebacker Kenny Soares Jr. from the transfer portal (FREE)https://t.co/WF20zOHlaT pic.twitter.com/6fefDbyzFR
— Corey Robinson (@C_Robinson247) January 13, 2026
Soares played three years at Northwestern after being recruited by Fitzgerald. He played his first season at Northwestern under Fitzgerald, appearing in just four games, though he didn’t record any stats. Right after Fitzgerald left, his role increased. He played 12 games in each of his next two seasons with the Wildcats, totaling 57 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and three pass breakups.
He then transferred to NC State for the 2025 season where he broke out with the Wolfpack.
The former Northwestern linebacker started for NC State this past season, totaling 80 tackles, four tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and two pass breakups.
Soares’ final season of eligibility will come under the head coach who recruited him originally, and it feels like a perfect fit. While he’s listed as a linebacker, it looks like he has edge rushing capabilities. I don’t think he’ll move to the edge, but he could in certain blitz packages.
This is another huge addition to the defense.
Pat Fitzgerald’s defense is coming together nicely
The new Michigan State head coach has really focused on defense in the transfer portal, and he’s added several starting-caliber players.
Transfers like Soares, Charles Brantley, Dion Crawford, Eli Coenen, Tre Bell, Michael Richard, and Tyran Chappell could all be starters at some point this season, in my opinion. I also wouldn’t count out guys like Devin Vaught, Caleb Wheatland, Carlos Hazelwood, Keahnist Thompson, Trey Lisle, and Cam Stodghill either.
Fitzgerald has made sure to address weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball. He’s added a ton of linebacker and defensive back depth, including adding starting-caliber players, but I would like him to focus more on edge rushers.
Could we see Soares on the edge at some point? Potentially, but I could see the same for Crawford. The defensive line should be the next focus.