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3 post-spring 2024 breakout candidates on defense for Michigan State football

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State's Chance Rucker celebrates after a defensive stop against Nebraska during the third quarter on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Michigan State's Chance Rucker celebrates after a defensive stop against Nebraska during the third quarter on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA
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1. Wayne Matthews III, LB

I can't really explain it, but I have this weird feeling that Wayne Matthews III is going to be an All-Big Ten linebacker this upcoming season. He was a star at Old Dominion in 2023 as a sophomore and it feels like the sky is the limit for him.

I've said it multiple times, but I truly believe he's going to be a Jacoby Windmon-type of star right away for the Spartans and he's going to make a living in the backfield.

Matthews had 135 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles last season with the Monarchs and it feels like he was just scratching the surface. He's only going to get better in Joe Rossi's defense and I think he's going to be one of the best defensive players on the team in 2024.

I could have honestly chosen any of the Spartans' linebackers as breakout candidates but I think that Matthews will have a slightly larger impact than Jordan Turner and Jordan Hall has already broken out, in my opinion. Sure, Matthews broke out with Old Dominion last year, but this is his first season in the Power Four so it'll be a different beast for him.

Big things are coming for Matthews.

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