Michigan State football is gearing up for their first season under new head coach Pat Fitzgerald, where the Spartans are aiming to make their first bowl game since 2021. Coming into the season, Spartan fans will see a plethora with new faces, with 29 incoming transfers and 21 incoming freshmen.
While the incoming transfers are expected to play a major role in the upcoming season, it is almost certain that some of the freshmen will make their mark on the field in year one. With 21 freshmen making their way onto campus in 2026, Spartan fans will be eager to see which take the leap into immediate playing time.
Check out the three Spartans that could potentially be prime candidates for early playing time:
The most obvious choice, Gash was the highest rated commit in the Spartans 2026 recruiting class. A top 300 player in the class, Gash was highly sought after for the skills he possesses.
With the skills of a high level prospect and playing a position like wide receiver, that is easiest to get on the field as a young player, it is easy to see why Gash could find his way onto the field at a young age. Pair those factors with an unstable, rebuilt wide receiver room, it is a full blown open competition for spots in 2026.

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