Michigan State football used to have a major recruiting pipeline all across the country in its heyday, back when they were consistently in the national spotlight during the 1950s and 1960s.
Hall of Fame coach Hugh "Duffy" Daugherty even had a huge pipeline in the Hawaiian Islands for recruiting top talent.
One major piece of that famed pipeline was fullback and former two-time All-American Bob Apisa. He was a major piece of the most important era in Michigan State football history.
Sure the Polynesian pipeline kind of dried up for Michigan State over the years. However, it's very clear that current Spartan head coach Jonathan Smith, has made it his goal to return to the roots that helped put MSU in the national spotlight when they were winning national titles in the 1960s.
With so many Polynesian and Hawaiian players having already made the trek to East Lansing, it's very clear that the pipeline might be back.
Apisa has certainly taken notice of Smith's focus on it. He spoke highly of what Smith's been doing with Hondo Carpenter from Michigan State on SI.
"I'm overjoyed. I think Jonathan is doing the right thing, re-establishing that pipeline. The Pineapple Pipeline."Bob Apisa via Michigan State on SI
Smith and company have already put a major focus on some of the highly-rated Polynesian players in both this year's class and the 2026 cycle.
Having defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa who knows exactly how to recruit Polynesian players, given he was one himself, has and is only going to help the Spartans continue to have the Pineapple Pipeline.
A lot of these players are proving to be some of the best football players in the world. It's clear Michigan State has found a way to return to its roots.