Oregon State OL, potential Michigan State football target enters transfer portal

Michigan State football could be eyeing one of the top offensive linemen, from Oregon State, in the transfer portal.

Michigan State football is having a strong offseason so far, but one major need that remains is the team’s offensive line. The unit struggled last year, and as long as the offensive line is a question mark, the offense as a whole can’t reach its full potential.

Help could be on the way, though.

Oregon State offensive lineman Tanner Miller recently announced via Twitter that he was entering the transfer portal, and I expect the Spartans to have heavy interest.

Oregon State offensive lineman Tanner Miller has entered the transfer portal, @On3sports has learned.

Earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors this season. https://t.co/VNvB2Ek6qR pic.twitter.com/nNuNZK9LdT

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) January 2, 2024

Not only that, it seems likely that the interest will be mutual. If the past is anything to go off of, there’s a very good chance Miller could follow his former head coach Jonathan Smith to East Lansing. Multiple former Oregon State players have already done this — guys like Jack Velling, Aidan Chiles, and Makhi Frazier — so it seems reasonable to think that Miller might be next.

The 6-foot-1, 287-pound guard from California recently turned in a very strong 2023 and was named to the All-Pac-12 second team. His build is on the lighter side for sure, but the guy can flat out move people around. Miller was a key part of an Oregon State offensive line that was a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award this past season — an accolade signifying the best offensive line in the nation.

That same Oregon State offensive line paved the way for 2,172 total rushing yards that year, as well as allowing only 11 sacks of their quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei.

A proven guy who helped form of one of the best offensive line units in football would be a huge get for the Spartans, regardless of stature. Acquiring help at the position has to be a priority for new head coach Jonathan Smith, and landing Tanner Miller would be a great start. He’s good enough to anchor this line and give Michigan State football a huge boost this year.