Michigan State Among Finalists for Top Ohio Offensive Lineman

Michigan State Among Finalists for Top Ohio Offensive Lineman

Pat Fitzgerald is setting his sights on a highly rated offensive lineman as he looks to reestablish Michigan State’s strength in the trenches.

Following the conclusion of the NFL Draft, two Michigan State players heard their names called. Offensive lineman Matt Gulbin was selected 209th overall by the Washington Commanders, while punter Ryan Eckley went shortly after at No. 211 to the Baltimore Ravens.

Both athletes played important roles under former head coach Jonathan Smith, who was dismissed after two seasons. Now at the helm is former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald, who has quickly begun reshaping the roster in an effort to build a competitive team early in his tenure.

Despite the coaching change, Fitzgerald managed to retain much of Smith’s recruiting class and has since turned his attention toward assembling his first full class as head coach.

Focus on the 2027 Class

So far, Michigan State has landed six commitments in the 2027 recruiting cycle, placing the program inside the top 50 nationally according to major recruiting outlets. Notably, the top three pledges are linemen, underscoring Fitzgerald’s emphasis on rebuilding both the offensive and defensive fronts.

The Spartans may soon secure their first 4-star prospect in the class. Interior offensive lineman Dominic Black, one of the fastest-rising recruits in the country, recently narrowed his choices to eight schools, including Michigan State, along with Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Indiana, NC State, North Carolina, and West Virginia.

Dominic Black’s Rising Profile

Black’s recruitment has gained significant momentum in recent months. When Fitzgerald first extended an offer in February, he was rated as a 3-star prospect. Since then, he has surged into the top 200 players nationally in the 2027 class and is now considered one of the top interior linemen in the country.

The Michigan State offer clearly resonated with Black, who described it as a meaningful milestone and a source of motivation in his development.

With the offensive line having been a weakness in recent years, Fitzgerald has made Black a top priority. If he ultimately chooses Michigan State, he would become the highest-rated commit in the class and could have an opportunity to make an immediate impact early in his college career.