Michigan State football lands 3-star DL Derrick Simmons

Michigan State football picked up yet another commitment on Thursday in the form of three-star defensive lineman Derrick Simmons.

Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith and his staff continue to stay hot on the recruiting trail after a flurry of additions to the 2025 class.

Over the last week or so, we’ve seen commitments from offensive tackle Justin Bell, defensive lineman Cal Thrush, cornerback Aydan West, and now defensive lineman Derrick Simmons.

I’m am blessed to announce that I am committed to Michigan State to continue my academics and athletics. Thanks to all coaches, family, and friends who assisted me throughout this process. Go Green!!! 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/3Z0yXdVSso

— Derrick Simmons ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@DerrickSimm2025) June 27, 2024

The recruiting momentum the program has gained from its June official visits is notable, especially the roots they’ve planted with in-state schools.

Simmons is the second defensive lineman to commit this class alongside Thrush. Hailing from Frankenmuth, Mich., the staff has followed through on their promise to heavily invest in in-state recruiting – this is the sixth commitment from a player in Michigan, more than any class under previous head coach Mel Tucker.

As a four-year varsity starter at Frankenmuth High School, Simmons has the skillset to play on either side of the line. It is assumed that he was recruited as a defensive lineman but I wouldn’t count out the possibility of Simmons taking some snaps on the interior of the offensive line.

Standing 6-foot-3, 270 pounds, Simmons has to put weight on his frame in order to play in the Big Ten. It will be interesting to see how his frame will handle the extra weight. Other schools in the conference were after Simmons including that of Illinois, Purdue, and Northwestern.

MSU is now up to 14 commitments in the 2025 class. With the addition of Simmons, the Spartans sit with the 45th-ranked class in the nation. Although Smith has yet to land his first four-star high school player during his time in East Lansing, I think the staff has done a great job for the cards they’ve been dealt. The first coveted blue-chip recruit the staff lands will come either on in-season official visits or in the 2026 class.

Simply getting to a bowl game this fall would be huge in that regard.