Key Offensive Tackle for Michigan State Withdraws from Portal
In this story:
Michigan State has convinced another player to withdraw from the transfer portal.
Offensive tackle Rustin Young, who entered the transfer portal on Monday, has now taken his name out of the portal, a source has confirmed to Spartan Nation. That same source also indicated there is a possibility (keyword, possibility) that two other players end up withdrawing from the portal as well. Young started five games on MSU's offensive line last year and will provide some valuable depth for the Spartans with his return for 2026.
This is the second instance of a Michigan State player putting his name into the portal and then taking it out. The other is wide receiver Chrishon McCray, with reports surfacing of his return to East Lansing on Tuesday. MSU still currently has 42 lost transfers this offseason, with a good chunk of players beginning to find new schools. Remaining players from the 2025 roster still have until Jan. 16 to enter the portal.
Getting Young back is very important, though. He likely will not start in 2026, unless there are injuries, but he has a chance to be one of Michigan State's offensive tackles of the future. Young was just a redshirt freshman who held his own out there in 2025 and still has three years of eligibility remaining.
More on Young, Role at MSU
Young played 448 total offensive snaps this past fall, according to Pro Football Focus. The Honolulu, Hawai'i native received an overall offensive grade of 51.8, allowing three sacks and 26 pressures across 276 pass blocking snaps. All of Young's snaps were at left tackle, except for MSU's game against Indiana, when Young moved to right tackle.
Michigan State's current roster situation indicates that Young will be a backup next year. The Spartans went and got UConn left tackle transfer Ben Murawski, a mauler with one year of eligibility remaining who graded out as one of the best run blockers in the country, per PFF. Additionally, starting right tackle Conner Moore also decided to stay at MSU for his final year, rather than enter the transfer portal.
Even though both tackle spots appear to be filled, depth is so, so important on the offensive line because of how much those who play that position get battered. Michigan State also added Georgia Southern offensive tackle transfer Robert Wright Jr. on Thursday. He started at right tackle for the Eagles this year, has three years left (like Young), but he's also likely accepting a backup role for his first year at MSU behind Moore.
The future is bright for the Spartans' offensive line. New offensive line coach Nick Tabacca has done a nice job getting quality options at each tackle spot for both the first-string and second-string spots.
Keep up with all our content when you follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be sure to share your thoughts on Rustin Young withdrawing from the portal when you join our community group, Go Green Go White, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE. Don't forget to give us a follow on X @MSUSpartansOnSI as well.
Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Spartans when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW
A 2025 graduate from Michigan State University, Cotsonika brings a wealth of experience covering the Spartans from Rivals and On3 to his role as Michigan State Spartans Beat Writer on SI. At Michigan State, he was also a member of the world-renowned Spartan marching band for two seasons.
Follow jacobcotsonika