FOOTBALL

Michigan State football: MSU gains commitment from premier linebacker

Published

3 minutes ago

January 11, 2026

Ben Schadel

Nolan Gerou, Spartan Shadows

On January 11, Michigan State football received two commitments to head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s portal class.

The first of the day gave a much needed boost to the receiving room in KK Smith. Smith is a deep threat receiver who makes big plays with his athleticism in the passing game.

The second? An All-MAC linebacker who put up big numbers at Buffalo.

Dion Crawford, a 6-foot-1, 235 lb. linebacker, has one season of eligibility remaining, and plans to use it to his advantage. The former Buffalo Bull totaled 137 tackles, 12 sacks and a forced fumble over the past two season in Buffalo. Crawford was named to the All-MAC third team in 2024, and entered the transfer portal with higher hopes for his future.

East Lansing offers him that opportunity, as Spartans’ legend Max Bullough will lead Crawford for the upcoming 2026 season. Of course, Crawford’s starting spot is not locked down yet. Linebackers Caleb Wheatland (Auburn) and Cam Stodghill (Albany) have both transferred into MSU, but with Crawford’s significant production and proven experience, the former Bull will have a huge opportunity to lead the Spartans out on opening day.

Crawford was originally a three-star prospect hailing out of Georgia. The senior was the 123rd player in Georgia and 118th best linebacker in his recruiting class. Out of high school, Crawford held an impressive offer list, including Michigan, Tennessee, and Florida State, but ultimately decided to attend Buffalo to play his college career.

In high school, Crawford was a MaxPreps All-American and even led his Collins Hill high school team to a 7A state championship.

Current Spartan and last years captain Jordan Hall has returned for his senior season as well as soon-to-be redshirt sophomore Brady Pretzlaff, and with the addition of Crawford, it could be lining up for a deadly duo or trio in the box. If all produce at the level they are expected to, Spartans fans will see a deadly linebacker unit that they have not seen in a long time.