Pat Fitzgerald is still constructing his first Michigan State roster for 2026, and he told his team at one of the first meetings of the offseason, this isn’t a rebuild, it’s a rebirth.
He also called the program a “sleeping giant” in East Lansing.
Fitzgerald believes in the program, but he has to construct a roster that he believes will compete in the Big Ten right away, and that includes securing some depth at key positions.
It’s difficult to have depth in today’s college football with all the NIL numbers flying around and players transferring 2-3 times throughout their careers. Guys aren’t OK with just sitting around as the second or third option at any given position.
Some, however, are OK with being depth pieces, at least early on in their careers.
This applies to first-year running back Zion Gist who might be buried on the depth chart for his redshirt freshman season in 2026. He reportedly had his “contract extended” with Michigan State under Fitzgerald for at least the 2026 campaign.
MSU RB Zion Gist’s advisers posted this on Instagram about half an hour ago. pic.twitter.com/Z1RfHzJwTC
— Connor Earegood (@ConnorEaregood) January 16, 2026
This move is a bit surprising considering Michigan State is bringing in three running backs via the transfer portal and Brandon Tullis is also returning next season.
Depth at running back won’t be a problem.
Michigan State’s running back depth is going to be insane
Michigan State now has 5-6 running backs on the roster who all could earn carries next season, and that’s not even including Jace Clarizio.
Here’s who the Spartans could have in the backfield next season:
- Cam Edwards
- Jaziun Patterson
- Marvis Parrish
- Brandon Tullis
- Zion Gist
- Jace Clarizio
This might be the most depth that the backfield has had in a decade.
Edwards comes to Michigan State after recording over 1,200 yards with UConn in 2025, and many expect him to be the lead back. Patterson was just at Iowa, and the Hawkeyes have a pretty good track record with running backs. Parrish is from Western Kentucky and he was an intriguing freshman, so his future is bright. Tullis was the Spartans’ second-leading rusher this past season. And neither Gist nor Clarizio played and both redshirted.
If the offensive line lives up to the hype, Michigan State might just have a run game with a pulse for once.