2026 Michigan State Football Positional Preview: Linebackers
The Linebacker position is poised to be the biggest strength of Michigan State's 2026 defense.
Michigan State's linebacker room enters 2026 with a strong combination of experience, versatility, and potential.
Jordan Hall returns for his senior season after leading the Spartans with 88 tackles in 2025. Around him, MSU added experienced transfers Dion Crawford, Caleb Wheatland, and Cam Stodghill, while Brady Pretzlaff comes back from an injury-shortened sophomore season. The Spartans also have several young players who could develop into future contributors.
The biggest storyline about this position group, however, is off the field. Former Spartan linebacker Max Bullough returns to East Lansing to coach the group and co-coordinate the defense. Bullough was previously the LB coach at Notre Dame and earlier served as a graduate assistant at both ND and Alabama.
As a player, Bullough was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection who amassed 299 tackles, 30.5 TFLs, and 40 consecutive starts during his time at MSU. He is known as someone who personifies what it means to be a Spartan, and he will bring that pedigree to leading MSU’s linebacker corps.
The biggest on-field question isn’t whether MSU has enough linebackers—it’s how the coaching staff will distribute the snaps. Below is a preview of the position, a projected rotation, and what to expect from each player.
Projected Depth Chart
Position | Starter | Rotation/Backup |
MIKE | Jordan Hall | Brady Pretzlaff/Dion Crawford |
WILL | Caleb Wheatland | Dion Crawford/Cam Stodghill |
3rd LB / Packages | Dion Crawford | Cam Stodghill/Adam Shaw |
The two-deep could shift based on opponents and early-season performances. Crawford’s versatility allows him to play either linebacker spot, while Stodghill and Shaw give MSU options for three-linebacker packages.
Jordan Hall
Credit: MSU Athletics
Senior | 6-foot-3, 249 lbs.
Hall is the unquestioned leader of the group and the most important player on the entire defense.
The Fredericksburg, VA native had a breakout junior season, leading the Spartans with 88 tackles, along with 4.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, an interception, and a fumble recovery. He was named honorable mention All‑Big Ten and ranked 11th in the conference in tackles.
His career numbers stand at 179 tackles, 13 TFLs, and seven sacks in 35 games, including 19 starts.
Hall’s value extends beyond production—defensive coordinator Joe Rossi has praised his understanding of the defense, making him particularly valuable at the MIKE, where communication and alignment are essential.
He enters 2026 as a first‑team preseason All‑Big Ten selection and a candidate for both the Butkus and Bednarik Awards.
Caleb Wheatland
Credit: MSU Athletics
Redshirt Senior | 6-foot-1, 244 lbs.
Wheatland brings a wealth of experience to East Lansing. He spent three seasons at Maryland, appearing in 35 games and starting 11 in 2024, where he recorded career highs of 42 tackles, seven TFLs, and four sacks. He then transferred to Auburn, appearing in three games in 2025 while preserving his redshirt.
Overall, Wheatland has amassed 101 career tackles, 14.5 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks.
His experience makes him a natural starter, and he provides much-needed pass-rush capability as well as strong coverage skills from his Terrapin days. The key question is whether he can return to his UMD form after a quiet season at Auburn.
