Michigan State Football: Unveiling the 2026 Season's Unexpected Rises and Shifts

The air around East Lansing is practically buzzing, thick with that unique blend of hope and raw anticipation as the 2026 Michigan State football season stands on the very precipice of kickoff. We’re just a week out from that first game, and with new head coach Pat Fitzgerald now firmly settled in, having been hired the day after the 2025 season concluded, everyone's watching his every move. He's been busy, from giving instructions at that first fall camp practice on August 6th to speaking at Big Ten Media Days back in July. As the Spartans gear up to face Toledo, the critical question of who will truly step up – and who might be taking a backseat – is becoming crystal clear.

Let's talk about some real bright spots, shall we? First up, wide receiver Rodney Bullard Jr. Now, his journey to this point has been quite the saga. He's been fighting for an NCAA waiver since winter, and thankfully, the powers that be finally granted him eligibility for the 2026 season just this past Monday. You can only imagine the relief and excitement! After logging five catches for 119 yards last year, he’s absolutely making the most of this opportunity, getting significant starter reps in fall camp. Frankly, it looks like he’s solidified his spot right near the top of what promises to be a dynamic receiver rotation. It’s a testament to his perseverance, and I think we'll see it pay off on the field.

Then there’s Rakeem Johnson on the offensive line. This young man is projected to be the starting right tackle for the 2026 season, which is no small feat. He really started to come into his own last year, stepping in at right guard for the final four games of 2025. While his career snaps at right tackle are still relatively low – only 90 total, with just 30 coming last season (four against Youngstown State and 26 at Indiana) – the coaching staff clearly likes what they're seeing. He was out there in drills on day one of fall camp, August 6th, and has clearly impressed enough to grab that starting role.

And we can’t forget about Derrick Simmons, the former 4-star defensive tackle recruit. He redshirted in 2025, playing a modest 44 defensive snaps, but mark my words, this kid is ready to explode. He’s absolutely expected to get serious playing time this season. He might slot in as third on the depth chart behind established guys like Ben Roberts and Eli Coenen (the transfer from Illinois), but don’t be surprised if he pushes for that second spot. Simmons was tearing it up in drills on August 6th, and he’s poised to be a major disruptive force in the trenches for the Spartans.

Now, on the flip side, some players who had significant roles last year might find themselves in a different position this season. Isaac Smith, an EDGE defender, is a good example. He actually started every single game in 2025, which sounds impressive on paper. But when you dig a little deeper, he was more of a rotational piece, typically playing around 20-25 snaps per game. Heading into 2026, it appears he’s currently third-string at rush end, behind Kenny Soares Jr. and Anelu Lafaele. What's more, he doesn't seem to be close to the top of the depth chart at defensive end either, with guys like Keahnist Thompson, Cal Thrush, and Kekai Burnett ahead. It’s a tough break, and you have to wonder how he’ll respond to this new challenge.

Another interesting case is Robert Wright Jr., who came to MSU via the transfer portal, bringing with him a strong resume as Georgia Southern’s starting right tackle in 2025. He even played a whopping 752 offensive snaps without a single flag thrown against him – that’s pretty remarkable! But sometimes, the fit just isn't there, or the internal competition is simply too fierce. In this instance, he's unfortunately being beaten out by Rakeem Johnson for that starting right tackle spot. It’s a competitive landscape, and while Wright still has three years of eligibility left, his immediate impact might be less than initially hoped.

Finally, wide receiver Fredrick Moore, a transfer from Michigan, also appears to be facing an uphill battle for a starting role. While we've seen him making catches in practice, like on August 17th, he’s not currently penciled into the starting lineup. With Bullard Jr. ascending and other talents like KK Smith (the Notre Dame transfer) in the mix, the receiver room is deep and competitive. Moore will certainly have opportunities, but a starting nod might be further down the line than some expected.

As the Spartans count down the days to their season opener, these internal battles and shifts in the depth chart truly paint a picture of college football's ever-evolving landscape. Coach Fitzgerald has some tough decisions to make, but the aim is always to put the best possible squad on the field. These "starts" and "sits" aren't just names on a roster; they represent the culmination of hard work, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence for Michigan State football. It's going to be fascinating to watch how these stories unfold once the whistle blows on September 4th.