Michigan State’s defensive line needs work

Michigan State and coach Jonathan Smith suffered a significant loss earlier in the offseason when nearly two dozen scholarship players entered the transfer portal at the same time. Arguably the Spartans’ roster position had the biggest impact on the defensive line, where two starters with the potential to play at the next level entered the portal.

Coach Smith and his coaching staff have made admirable use of the transfer portal to make up for some of the lost talent. Despite having one of the best transfer portal classes in the country, the Spartans have yet to secure as much talent as the players they have lost along the defensive line.

Cody Nagel of 247Sports ranks the Spartans’ defensive line — consisting of defensive ends Khris Bogle, Quindarius Dunnigan, Avery Dunn, Anthony Jones, Jalen Thompson and defensive tackles D’Quan Douse, Maverick Hansen and Ben Roberts — as the 16th-best defensive line of the 18 teams in the Big Ten.

“There was optimism around Michigan State’s defensive line this spring until Simeon Barrow and Derrick Harmon entered the transfer portal,” Nagel said. “Those two late departures really set this Spartan position group back, as there are now zero starters returning for 2024. Michigan State needs Douse and Hansen to emerge as quality pieces at defensive tackle.

“The new coaching staff turned to the portal again in May to reload some of the depth across the defensive line. Dunnigan arrives at Michigan State after a career-best season at Middle Tennessee in 2023. He earned Second Team All-Conference USA honors after recording 10 tackles for loss, three sacks and eight pass breakups.

While Michigan State’s defensive line undoubtedly took a hit earlier this season when many players on Michigan State’s roster entered the transfer portal, Smith and his coaching staff continue their efforts to rebuild both the offensive and defensive lines through the transfer portal and the recruitment process.

As Smith looks to rebuild the Michigan State football program, he and his coaching staff must continue to focus on adding talent to the defensive line. While Smith has proven that the defensive line is a priority, he must find a way to secure as much talent on the defensive line as possible if Michigan State wants to be competitive anytime soon.

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