Michigan State football sees freshman running back re-up for 2026

January 16 marked the final day of the transfer portal being open for, among other schools, Michigan State football. It was the last call for departing players, and things remained relatively quiet on the Spartan front. However, one player took that opportunity to have his agency announce that he had reached a deal with Pat Fitzgerald, Devin Spalding, and the Spartans. Zion Gist, a talented back from Lincoln-Way East high school in Illinois, was back for 2026.

With no 2026 high school running back heading to East Lansing, this helps solidify a position that is upperclassmen-heavy for the Spartans.

Zion Gist provides Michigan State football with depth and is one to watch

When Gist signed with Michigan State football during Jonathan Smith’s tenure, the back was a bit of an unknown. He was a lower rated player, but that came from an injury suffered during his senior campaign that forced him to miss time at the Illinois powerhouse while other athletes got film out and picked up offers.

Gist was able to return to form, and during Lincoln-Way East’s playoff run, it was enough to convince then-running back coach Keith Bhonapha that Gist deserved a scholarship. He was offered by the Spartans, and the one-time Western Michigan commit flipped to the school a bit farther from home.

During his freshman season, he did not see the field, although the back earned scout team player of the week honors multiple times during his rookie campaign, alongside making the travel roster prior to the Minnesota game on November 1.

How does Gist project onto the 2026 roster?

Currently, Gist is a player that needs a massive jump from year one to year two to see the field as a redshirt freshman. The Spartans acquired Marvis Parrish, Jaziun Patterson, and Cam Edwards from the portal, alongside offensive weapon Carson Gulker who will take the occasional carry in a hybrid H-back and tight end role.

This pairs with returning Brandon Tullis, Jace Clarizio, and Bryson Williams, although the latter is another hybrid role, taking time with the receivers. Walk-ons Jaxon McCaig and Darrin Jones Jr. complete the room. Take note of Jones, as he and Gist split time on the travel roster towards the end of 2025, meaning those two are likely in a battle in the pecking order.

However, the staff did take time to re-ink Gist, which means they see value worth developing a running back without a carry to his name yet. It is also worth noting that Gulker, Patterson, and Edwards all enter their final season of eligibility in 2026. With no high school talent incoming from 2026, Gist, Clarizio, and Jones Jr. have the most eligibility in the room currently.

The future is bright under Pat Fitzgerald in East Lansing, and the one-time coach of Chicago’s Big Ten school kept an Illinois native in the fold at Michigan State.