Michigan State football has always had a history of family. That is a huge part of what it takes to be a Spartan. When the Spartans have had success, you can probably look at rosters to see siblings either playing together or following their older brother’s (or even parent’s) footsteps in East Lansing.
Just look back to the Bullough family. MSU linebackers coach Max Bullough knows all about it. From his dad and uncle both playing for Michigan State, to Max, and brothers Riley and Byron both doing so as well.
Another big family who suited up for the Spartans were the Dowell brothers. Andrew and David Dowell were twins. Their younger brother Michael, also played at MSU.
This is important because head coach Pat Fitzgerald looks to be dipping back into the family business with a pair of twin defensive prospects for the 2027 class.
In early April, Griffin and Cooper Benke have added their names to the visitors list for Spartan football.
Griffin made the news official on social media.
Locked in to visit @MSU_Football on April 6-7. Can't wait to get to East Lansing! @Coach_DeBo46 @CoachWozniakTE @coachfitz51 @JoeS_Rossi @Coach_Bindel @SeanLevyMSU @AJPearson_IV @CoachBGasser @MalikGill5 @MSUFBRecruiting @HSphire @MikeDyer @EvanDennison1 @TomLoy247 @HighlandsFB pic.twitter.com/FPfRzQswOp
— Griffin Benke (@Benke_Griffin) February 13, 2026
Cooper also shared a similar message on his X.
I will be in East Lansing on April 6-7 visiting @MSU_Football. Can't wait to take it all in! @Coach_DeBo46 @CoachWozniakTE @JoeS_Rossi @Coach_Bindel @SeanLevyMSU @AJPearson_IV @MalikGill5 @MSUFBRecruiting @HSphire @MikeDyer @EvanDennison1 @TomLoy247 @HighlandsFB pic.twitter.com/LH0d0EFPs1
— Cooper Benke (@benke_cooper) February 13, 2026
The neat thing for the Fort Thomas, Ky., natives is they are twins and they would certainly help address a massive need as the Spartans look to rebuild their defensive line. Griffin has already been offered, but it sure seems like an offer for Cooper won't be far behind.
Neither has received a rating or recruiting ranking yet, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't be important additions to the program, if they were to commit.
Both put up impressive numbers during their junior seasons. Griffin finished with 39 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and seven sacks while Cooper had 50 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and five sacks.
It's early in their process, but to think the Spartans could get two for the price of one at the same position would be a welcomed sight. Like the Bulloughs defined the linebacker position, perhaps the Benkes could be the next super duo of defensive ends.