Why Spartan DL Should Lead in 2026

Fitzgerald has had a week to evaluate this Spartan roster, determining who fits what he wants to do and who might need to look for opportunities elsewhere. We have already seen some players announce their returns, while others have entered the transfer portal.

One player who has announced his intention to return to East Lansing next season is defensive tackle Ben Roberts. The redshirt junior transferred to MSU from Oregon in May of 2024. 

This upcoming season will be his third as a Spartan, so it is time for Roberts to become a leader and be a strong voice in the locker room for a defense that needs improvement. 

Ben Roberts is back

Roberts totaled 11 tackles last season and played in seven games in 2025. According to Pro Football Focus, “Big Worm” logged 161 snaps and had the highest overall defensive and run defense grade among Spartan defensive tackles. 

Of course, that snap total ranked fifth among Spartan DTs, but his impact was felt when he was on the field. With the departures of Grady Kelly and Quindarius Dunnigan, Roberts should be in line for more snaps. 

Roberts is an interior defender with a high motor, exploding off blocks and eating up runs. He has also shown some pass-rush chops, recording two sacks in 2024. 

Fitzgerald clearly liked what he saw from Roberts and wanted him to be a part of what he wanted to do. He also has familiarity with defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, who helped recruit Roberts out of the transfer portal. 

Roberts and Alex VanSumeren will be the Spartans’ top two defensive tackles entering the 2026 season, barring MSU adding an elite name at that position. They will be the strongest voices in the locker room, and the staff hopes that translates on the field. 

Roberts believes in what the Spartans are building, which is why he announced his return. It’s now time to turn that into more productive play on the field.

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