At Big Ten Media Days, Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith spoke about one position group that would likely take a major step this season: the offensive line.
It's no secret as to why the second-year head coach believes that the offensive line could be the most improved unit on the roster. He went into the portal and found some absolute gems.
One of them was just named to the preseason Rimington Trophy watch list.
front and center 🫡 @GulbinMatt pic.twitter.com/99OOPyy0WB
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 8, 2025
The Rimington Trophy is given annually to the nation's best center. That means that Matt Gulbin, a Wake Forest transfer, is considered one of the best centers in the country heading into the season. He's already earning plenty of recognition, and that's a great sign for the offense.
Although Gulbin played primarily guard with Wake Forest last season, he practiced at center with the Spartans in the spring and now he's projected to be the team's starting center in 2025.
Gulbin was also an honorable mention All-ACC performer a year ago.
The Spartans picked up a couple of big-time offensive line transfers in the portal this offseason with Gulbin and Conner Moore projected to start. Add them in with a deeper group than the Spartans have had in years, and Smith may be onto something when he speaks highly of the offensive line.
We've been predicting better offensive line play for years, but it just hasn't come to fruition. I think that changes this season with Jim Michalczik entering his second year.
Gulbin is the perfect anchor in the middle of that offensive line.