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5 newcomers who will have the biggest impacts on Michigan State football in 2024

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State's Jack Velling participate in a drill during the Spring Showcase on Saturday, April
Michigan State's Jack Velling participate in a drill during the Spring Showcase on Saturday, April / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA
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2. Wayne Matthews III, LB (Old Dominion transfer)

If there's anyone on the defensive side of the ball who I believe could become one of the best players in the Big Ten this season, it's Wayne Matthews III.

The first player that comes to mind when I think of Matthews III on this defense is Jacoby Windmon. I'm not even saying they're similar players, but Windmon came to Michigan State after a very productive season with UNLV at linebacker and Matthews III comes to East Lansing following a huge season with the Monarchs.

In fact, Matthews finished the 2023 season with 135 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three pass breakups. He was all over the field and was one of the most productive linebackers in the Group of Five last season.

I really like the linebackers that Jonathan Smith brought in this offseason with Brady Pretzlaff from the 2024 recruiting class and Matthews and Jordan Turner from the transfer portal.

Matthews has "star" written all over him.

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