Old Dominion transfer DT Jalen Satchell commits to Michigan State football

Michigan State football and Jonathan Smith are staying extremely hot on the recruiting trail. The Spartans have already received seven transfer commitments this spring, and they added yet another defensive tackle transfer to bring their total to eight on Sunday.

This commitment is a first for Smith this offseason as Jalen Satchell already committed to a different program during this portal season. Satchell is a transfer defensive tackle from Old Dominion who has played for them for two seasons. In those two seasons, he racked up 30 tackles including 1.5 sacks.

Satchell previously committed to Houston out of the portal, but he took a recent visit to Michigan State and Smith and his staff were able to change his mind.

Satchell’s former Old Dominion teammate Wayne Matthews committed to Michigan State back in January, so there’s a chance that played a role in Satchell’s decision to flip to Michigan State as well.

While Satchell may not be the flashiest transfer Michigan State has received this offseason, this is still a massive pickup. MSU has lost so much depth and firepower on the defensive line recently, so Smith has no choice but to get a lot of defensive linemen this cycle from the portal. And Satchell is a huge piece to the depth that Michigan State desperately needs.

Satchell may not be a starter this season, but with his two years of eligibility remaining there’s a chance he could grow into that. But even if he doesn’t, he’ll be a reliable piece off the bench that will be able to contribute on the field day one.

Smith is doing everything right so far this offseason when it comes to bringing in guys from the portal, and this is yet another example of him making the team that much better heading into his first season at Michigan State.