Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald may not be done adding to his 2026 roster. Although the season is right around the corner and the focus has been the 2027 class, Fitzgerald is working to add another key member to its defensive line.
That’s right, Fitzgerald is addressing a key position of need with a monster defensive tackle from Canada taking a visit this week.
According to Corey Robinson of 247Sports, Michigan State will be hosting Canadian defensive tackle Franklin Ibelo — who would immediately have the biggest frame of any Spartan defensive lineman if he were to commit — on Wednesday. He stands 6-foot-7 and weighs in at a whopping 340 pounds. He has the size that Michigan State needs up front and he has plenty of experience.
Ibelo has apparently been drawing a ton of power conference interest, per reports, and he was just training for the CFL in March when he ran a verified 5.20 40-yard dash. For a 6-7, 340-pounder, that’s an incredible sign of athleticism. You won’t see many 340-pounders running a 40 in that range. Actually, you likely won’t see many 340-pounders playing college football period.
Michigan State needs plenty of help along the defensive line, so why not a Canadian defensive tackle with incredible size and athleticism to match.
The University of Calgary transfer has 30 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss over his career so he hasn’t been the most productive player, but he makes up for it with his size. He just needs a little extra coaching and Winston DeLattiboudere would be perfect for that.
He has just one year of eligibility remaining.
Michigan State’s defensive line could use the help
Since the end of spring ball, Fitzgerald hasn’t given up on addressing a couple of key roster needs. He landed a wide receiver transfer in Jameel Gardner from Jackson State and now he’s looking toward that defensive line with Ibelo in his crosshairs.
The defensive line might be the one position group that needs the most help.
Michigan State has several incoming transfers as well as returning linemen like Isaac Smith, Mikeshun Beeler, Ben Roberts, Kekai Burnett, Anelu Lafaele, and Derrick Simmons. There’s not a ton of proven talent there, but the potential is fairly high. Guys like Simmons and Beeler are underclassmen who are projected to have big impacts this season. Kenny Soares Jr. is a transfer that looked really good during the Spring Showcase and he has true star potential.
The defensive line has been disappointing for years, but Fitzgerald won’t let that continue under his watch. Adding a 6-foot-7, 340-pound defensive tackle would be a great start to a turnaround.
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