As the college football season creeps closer, Michigan State fans are buzzing. Phil Steele, the longtime college football analyst, just dropped his preseason All-Big Ten teams.
The Spartans? They’ve got six players on either the first or second team. That’s a pretty strong showing, honestly.
This kind of recognition really speaks to the depth and talent on the roster. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s offseason moves seem to have paid off, both in keeping key guys and pulling in some solid transfers.
Michigan State Spartans Shine in Phil Steele’s Preseason All-Big Ten Teams
Senior linebacker Jordan Hall stands out as the only Spartan to make the first team. Hall was a team captain last year and ended up leading the team with 88 total tackles.
He also tied for the lead with 2.5 sacks. Keeping Hall for his senior season was a big win for Fitzgerald, since Hall’s expected to anchor the defense again.
Key Players and Their Impact
Hall’s value is obvious, but he’s not the only name to know. North Dakota State transfer Trent Fraley also made the second team.
Fraley picked up the FCS’s Rimington Award last fall, so he’s got some serious credentials. He’ll be stepping in as the starting center, filling the spot left by Matt Gulbin, who went to the Washington Commanders in April.
Offensive Line Strength
Returning lineman Conner Moore adds more muscle to the offensive line and landed on the second team as well. Moore came over from Montana State last offseason and started at right tackle during the 2025 season.
He was actually MSU’s highest-graded starter after Gulbin. It’s a bit up in the air where Moore plays this year, though—he was seen taking reps at right guard during the spring, maybe because of injuries elsewhere.
UConn transfer Ben Murawski is another key addition up front. According to On3, he was the Spartans’ top-rated transfer this offseason.
Murawski was a standout run-blocker for the Huskies in 2025, earning an 86.4 from Pro Football Focus. He’s set to take over at left tackle, which is a huge role for both the run game and keeping quarterback Alessio Milivojevic upright.
Special Teams and Key Transfers
New punter Rhys Dakin also got second-team honors. Dakin followed special teams coordinator LeVar Woods from Iowa, where he’d started for two seasons.
He was second-team All-Big Ten as a freshman and got an honorable mention last year. Dakin takes over for Ryan Eckley, who was the Big Ten Punter of the Year and got drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in April.
Special Teams Excellence
Kenneth Williams, a transfer from Nebraska, is set to handle kick returns for the Spartans this season. Williams can play some running back, but he’ll make his biggest splash on special teams.
He was a second-team All-Big Ten pick by the media last season and earned third-team from the coaches. Williams averaged 32.9 yards per kick return for Nebraska in 2025, including a 95-yard touchdown against Northwestern.
Conclusion
Six Michigan State players landed on Phil Steele’s preseason All-Big Ten teams. That’s a pretty solid nod to the squad’s talent and depth, honestly.
Pat Fitzgerald’s offseason moves seem to have paid off. The team held on to key players and brought in some impressive transfers.
With the season creeping up, there’s real anticipation among Michigan State fans. This lineup looks ready to make some noise.
If you’re curious about more details or want to dive deeper into the standout players, check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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