Michigan State football transfer leads the country in key stat

The biggest story for Michigan State football this season will undoubtedly be the impact their transfers have. And how could that not be the story considering Jonathan Smith brought in one of the largest transfer classes in the country.

Everyone knows the big names that transferred like Aidan Chiles, Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams, and Jack Velling, but how about we give some love to arguably the best transfer linebacker in the country?

Wayne Matthews is a transfer linebacker who could very well become the leader of the Michigan State defense. Matthews is coming to East Lansing from Old Dominion where he had a dominant 2023 campaign. This included 135 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

Those stats were good enough for 247Sports to rank him the No. 4 transfer linebacker in the country and the No. 87 transfer overall.

But arguably the most impressive stat of all is that he leads all transfer linebackers in the country in total tackles from 2023. Actually, Matthews didn’t just lead every transfer, he dominated them. Matthews’ 135 tackles were 24 more than second place. Talk about destroying the competition.

Michigan State could use his services this season as the Spartan defense has struggled the past few years. And I imagine Matthews will get every chance to do so.

The Spartans' linebacker room is probably the best on the defense, thanks in large part to the addition of Matthews. I expect him to be a starter this season along with Darius Snow. Those two together will be a scary sight for the rest of the Big Ten.

Time will tell which transfers make the biggest impact on the field, but if you had to place a bet, Matthews would be a solid choice.