Michigan State football: Jack Velling ranked top 10 returning TE per PFF

New Michigan State football transfer Jack Velling has been rated a top 10 returning tight end in the nation by PFF.

Michigan State football and Jonathan Smith have done an excellent job this offseason filling out the roster. They put together a solid 2024 recruiting class, but they found even more success in the transfer portal.

MSU was able to earn commitments from many of the top prospects in the portal, headlined by quarterback Aidan Chiles. However, it was one of Chiles’ teammates who also transferred to Michigan State who is considered a top 10 tight end in the country per PFF.

Top 10 Returning Tight Ends for the 2024 Season🔥

(Via: @MaxChadwickCFB) pic.twitter.com/GQnFCqu6i6

— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 21, 2024

Transfer TE Jack Velling

Jack Velling is a transfer tight end who began his career at Oregon State. He spent two seasons there playing under Jonathan Smith, where he found a lot of success. As a freshman, he recorded 16 catches for 281 yards and three touchdowns. That certainly is a great freshman season, but it was last year as a sophomore when he really took off.

During the 2023 season, Velling increased his stats to 29 receptions for 438 yards. He also recorded eight touchdowns which was No. 1 in the country last year for tight ends.

Jack Velling’s fit at MSU

Velling committed to Michigan State back in mid December and immediately became one of the top tight ends in East Lansing. I think there’s a great chance that he will be the starting tight end.

The most obvious reason is his production last year at Oregon State. Racking up 438 receiving yards may not sound like a lot, but it’s impressive for a tight end. However, it was his eight touchdowns that stand out the most as that was tied for No. 1 in the country among tight ends.

But the biggest reason I think Velling will be a day-one starter is because of his familiarity with Smith and Chiles. He has already played in Smith’s system for two years, so that gives him an advantage compared to everyone else. He also has played a season with Chiles as well, even catching a touchdown pass from him last year. This experience will do wonders for him and give him a head start compared to all of the other Michigan State tight ends.

Jack Velling is another sneaky-good pickup for Michigan State football out of the portal. Similarly to Wayne Matthews III, the No. 2 transfer linebacker per PFF, this pickup wasn’t a s home run commitment in the eyes of the country. But he’ll be able to contribute right away, and make MSU much better than they would be without him.