We are about a month away from the return of college football. Pat Fitzgerald holds the mental health of all Michigan State fans in the palm of his hand at least until basketball season starts.
The Spartans have missed a bowl game in four straight seasons but Fitzgerald is looking to defy the odds and lead Michigan State to the postseason in year one. It’s possible, but Vegas doesn’t see it happening, setting the preseason win total at 4.5.
I’m ready to smash the over, but only if a few important defenders can stay healthy.
These are the three Spartan defenders who I believe are the most important on that side of the ball and who could legitimately spark a defensive resurgence under Fitzgerald and the new staff.
1. Jordan Hall
Are you really surprised to see Jordan Hall at No. 1 on a “most important Michigan State defenders” list? You shouldn’t be. Hall has been a fixture in the linebacking corps since his freshman season under Mel Tucker and his role as a senior is going to make him the most important defender on the field.
Hall is going to be a captain and someone who everyone on the team looks up to. He’s also going to need to lead by example if he plans on making his teammates around him better.
Not only is he the Spartans’ best defender, but he’s easily the most important. He is to the defense what Alessio Milivojevic is to the offense. He’s the heart and soul.
2. Nikai Martinez
I flipped back and forth between Nikai Martinez, Tre Bell, and Charles Brantley. Settling on Martinez wasn’t an easy choice, but he is the most important out of the three because he’s like the quarterback of the secondary. Martinez is going to be a leader on that side of the ball.
The defensive backfield, too, could use any sign of improvement. Martinez missed most of the 2025 season and the secondary really struggled. It’s clear that the unit is at its best when he’s healthy.
Let’s hope he stays healthy this year because he’s that important.
3. Kenny Soares Jr.
Kenny Soares Jr. is pulling the reverse Tre Holloman, transferring from NC State to Michigan State to play for a first-year head coach this offseason. He played mostly linebacker at NC State but figures to play more of an edge role in East Lansing. He’s fresh off a career year where he totaled 80 tackles and four tackles for loss. I expect to see the tackles for loss multiply.
Michigan State’s defensive line has been a problem in the worst way possible for years. There has been no pulse from this group — no signs of life. With a new coaching staff in place, that should change, especially with a defensive-minded head coach.
The defensive line needs a major overhaul and I think Soares is the most important player up front, along with Ben Roberts and Derrick Simmons. These three will lead the way.
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