Michigan State Football: Illinois Defensive Lineman commits to MSU

Michigan State football got another defensive lineman from the portal, and with the departure of Alex VanSumeren, the green and white needed it.

On January 12, SpartanMag.com reported that Illinois transfer Eli Coenen had committed to MSU. Coenen, a defensive lineman originally started his college career at Bemidji State University, where he redshirted his first season in 2023. In 2024, the defensive tackle played 13 games for the Beavers with one start. Coenen registered 20 total tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, four quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery.

He took his talents to Illinois for his sophomore season in 2025 where he played in all 13 games for the Fighting Illini and totaled 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a quarterback hurry over 222 defensive snaps, per PFF. Coenen entered the transfer portal, and ended up in East Lansing where he will work closely with new defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere III.

Standing at 6-foot-7, 295 lbs., Coenen presents a rotational option for the Spartans in 2026. Fitzgerald and his staff are hoping that Coenen can have another break out year and explode on the defensive line.

Coenen will compete alongside senior Ben Roberts who is returning for his final season of eligibility, and redshirt sophomore Carlos Hazelwood, who transferred to MSU from Toledo. Hudson Aultman is also a player vying for a spot in the rotation, as the early enrollee arrived on campus on January 11, ready to compete for a spot. Redshirt sophomore Mikeshun Beeler and redshirt senior Ben Nelson will also have an opportunity to compete for a spot on the field come training camp, although Nelson did participate in Senior Day activities last fall. Derrick Simmons is another promising name in the mix, and the now-redshirt freshman has the size and strength to play on the interior this season.

The transfer portal is still open for departures until January 16, though pickups may occur after that date. It is crucial for Michigan State football to add more talent on the defensive line to compete with Roberts, Hazelwood, Simmons, Beeler, and Coenen before the portal closes. Another starter and likely another rotational piece that could be used for depth purposes would add another leg to the trenches on the defensive line.