Michigan State football loses starting DT who previously hinted at a return

Two days ago, Alex VanSumeren posted a highlight video on his X account from his first few seasons with Michigan State football, teasing a return for one final year.

On the first day of the transfer portal, VanSumeren made a surprising announcement.

The fourth-year defensive tackle announced that he would be entering the transfer portal, leaving Michigan State before his final year or two of eligibility.

This was unexpected after that video surfaced the other day, and after everyone entered the transfer portal on New Year’s Eve. He remained quiet and only posted a video of him in a Michigan State uniform. It felt like he was one of the locks to return on defense, but three players who many wanted to return are now gone: Jalen Thompson, VanSumeren, and Aydan West.

At least Jordan Hall is returning, right?

Alex VanSumeren leaves a void in the trenches

I’d bet no one expected to wake up to this news on Friday morning, especially after seeing him hint at a return, but he may want to see what he can get elsewhere.

I would highly doubt that he was forced out, and I’d be willing to bet it was more so him “testing free agency” in the new era of the portal and NIL.

Now there’s a huge void in the middle of the defensive line that I think will be filled by Derrick Simmons. The redshirt freshman defensive lineman garnered a ton of praise last offseason, and there was talk that he’d be a regular contributor in year one. He redshirted, however, and will not get a real shot in year two.

The Spartans do return Ben Roberts and, as of right now, Mikeshun Beeler and Kekai Burnett will also be returning, but the defensive line’s depth is going to be thin before exploring the transfer portal.

Pat Fitzgerald will have to focus on the defensive line as well as the offensive line as both sides of the ball lost some key players and depth to the portal this week.

Losing a leader with the experience and production of VanSumeren hurts, especially after losing Thompson and West earlier this week.