Michigan State’s Matt Gulbin graded as the best center in the Power 4

Jonathan Smith may have found his Kenneth Walker III. OK, so Matt Gulbin isn’t exactly an elite offensive skill position player, but he is from Wake Forest at least. That counts, right?

So what do I mean about the Wake Forest transfer being Smith’s K9? Basically, it’s code for the best transfer with the largest impact on the team.

That award could go to a few guys on Michigan State’s roster this year from Malcolm Bell to Omari Kelly to Aidan Chiles (if we count last year’s transfers), but in the 2025 transfer class, it has to be Gulbin who has earned the distinction.

Through four games, he’s been considered one of the best centers in college football, and the Rimington Trophy even posted about it on Wednesday, showing all of his ranks in some key statistical categories, and announcing that he’s still on the watch list.

According to PFF’s grading system, Gulbin has the highest offensive grade of any center in the Power Four, he has the second-highest pass-blocking grade, the second-best impact block percentage, and he hasn’t allowed a single pressure on 98 pass block attempts. All of this makes him a prime candidate for the Rimington Trophy which is awarded to the nation’s top center.

For as poor as the offensive line has looked, at times, this year, Gulbin has been the most consistent force in the trenches. Just imagine how good this interior would be if Luka Vincic was healthy.

It’s unfortunate that the Spartans only get Gulbin for one season because he’s been one of the stars of the first month of the season, and he’s one of the best team leaders, too.