Michigan State football: Key IOL returns for 2026 season

As Pat Fitzgerald settles into his Michigan State football tenure, he’s shown how necessary the transfer portal is in today’s climate, securing 19 public commitments over the past week.

On top of the new players, Fitzgerald has retained a number of key Spartans in his short time as head coach.

Luka Vincic, a key offensive lineman, has officially announced his intentions to come back to East Lansing for his senior season. The former Oregon State Beaver only played two games last season (Boston College and Youngstown State) due to an early injury that set Vincic back, but is ready for a step up in production with new offensive line coach Nick Tabacca.

Vincic, a former three-star prospect, stands at 6-foot-5, 305 pounds. Vincic held offers from Utah, Cal, and Arizona State before committing to Oregon State originally. Vincic appeared in 10 total games for the Beavers in 2024 where he played 315 snaps, allowing no sacks and helping the Beavers rush for 189.5 yards a game. He entered the transfer portal and joined the previous staff at Michigan State.

There will be in a fierce competition for a starting spot ahead of the 2026 season.

Fitzgerald and his staff attained a lot of talent across the offensive line in the portal, like Robert Wright, (Georgia Southern), Trent Fraley (North Dakota State), Nick Sharpe (South Carolina), and Ben Murawski, (UConn). Though after multiple linemen departed in the portal from East Lansing, Vincic will have an opportunity for a bigger role in 2026.

If Vincic wants to see the field, the redshirt senior will have to step up his game in the trenches.

Offensive line coach Nick Tabacca and new offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan will have their own hands full assembling their offensive line in spring and summer practices, where Vincic will have a great chance at earning a starting spot with the new coaching staff.