Michigan State football lands former Wisconsin starting LB Jordan Turner

Michigan State football lands its fourth commitment of the day, this one from former Wisconsin linebacker Jordan Turner.

On Monday, Michigan State football landed their third portal commitment, and fourth commitment of the day. However, all three of those prior commitments came on the offensive side of the ball. After two weeks of the portal being open, the defensive side of the ball is on the board.

Jordan Turner, a multi-year starter from Wisconsin, has signed with the Spartans.

🏠 pic.twitter.com/IEe1V7tkga

— Jordan Turner (@yallknojt) December 19, 2023

Jordan Turner brings a lot of experience to Joe Rossi’s linebacker room

As I covered yesterday, Jordan Turner is a productive starter from the last two seasons for the Badgers. He brings a steady output, with over 60 tackles in each of the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, along with loads of experience. The Spartans are losing two of their three most experienced linebackers this offseason, with Aaron Brule to the NFL and Jacoby Windmon to the portal. 

Turner, originally from Farmington, is coming home at the perfect time for Michigan State. The Spartans have landed their new defensive coordinator and linebacker coach Joe Rossi, and Turner is the first backer to commit to Rossi. The Spartans have pushed hard for Turner since he hit the portal a mere five days ago, on Dec. 13. Smith and Rossi brought Turner on a visit this previous weekend, and Justin Thind and 247Sports projected the Spartans to land Turner right after. 

Playing time at linebacker is now a battle ground

The middle linebacker position battle just heated up a lot by this move. Cal Haladay is a three year starter for the Spartans, but he graded out as a bottom-five Big Ten linebacker this season and has had documented struggles in pass coverage. With the emergence of Jordan Hall at linebacker, Haladay was already losing snaps. Now, it will be a battle to see which player grouping the Spartans will go with.

Joe Rossi likes to run three linebackers and then a stand-up rusher, and Hall, Turner, Haladay, Aaron Alexander, and Darius Snow are all fighting for spots. Add in Ma’a Gaoteote and Quavian Carter healthy, something, or someone, has to give. Oh, and the Spartans are projected to land in-state class of 2024 Brady Pretzlaff to join previously committed Portage linebacker Jadyn Walker. This room should be the main focus during spring ball.

Transfer portal and recruiting recap

Jordan Turner is the third player from the portal to commit to Jonathan Smith, joining Oregon State transfers Aidan Chiles and Jack Velling. He joins from Wisconsin, to whom the Spartans just lost receiver Tyrell Henry. 

On the linebacker front, Turner joins Walker as incoming players. Granted, I do not think Michigan State football is done yet. Brady Pretzlaff is still on the board, as are quite a few intriguing portal options.

Jordan Turner joining the Spartans is a massive gain.