Michigan State football beats out Ohio State for FCS All-American OT

Just days after enjoying himself some Michigan State hoops, FCS All-American offensive tackle Conner Moore decided to spurn Ohio State and commit to Michigan State football.

This is a shocking commitment considering Moore is from Ohio and the Buckeyes are playing for a national title. Why wouldn’t he want to move back home and play for the program that may very well be the reigning national champions in 2025?

Jonathan Smith and Jim Michalczik closed the deal on Thursday and he committed on Saturday.

#MichiganState transfer OT commit Conner Moore tells @C_Robinson247 he plans to enroll right away & will arrive on campus on Tuesday.

Re: his choice of MSU, he primarily credits OL coach Jim Michalczik, while adding the family feel was also key.

Quotes: https://t.co/rFadON3R5k pic.twitter.com/gQwKDtVK3R

— SpartanTailgate.com (@SpartanTailgate) January 12, 2025

Moore credited Michalczik and the family atmosphere in East Lansing for his commitment and he told Justin Thind of 247Sports that he’ll be enrolling immediately and moving to campus this week. He’ll be starting classes this semester.

Michigan State could use all the offensive line help it can get and Moore happened to be the best available offensive tackle in the transfer portal. Moore will be a day one starter in East Lansing and he joins a class that will also bring Matthew Gulbin, Caleb Carter, and Luka Vincic from the portal. Each of those guys could contend for starting snaps this season. The offensive line’s depth is much greater than it was in 2024 and that should give fans plenty of hope heading into 2025.

Also, this recruiting victory should give fans hope that Smith and Co. are the right staff for the Michigan State job. They can beat out elite programs for in-state kids and that’s a trend that if it continues could bring title-contending teams to East Lansing.

Moore had a visit planned with Ohio State following his trip to East Lansing and had already seen Cincinnati, but the Ohio-native decided to cancel his visit to Columbus to commit to the Spartans. That shows some serious trust in this coaching staff.

I don’t know about you, but this offensive line has me excited for next season.