Michigan State’s linebacker room was potentially one of the thinnest spots on the team just months ago, but after a big haul of transfer talent, it is one of the Spartans’ strongest groups.
Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Joe Rossi has plenty to work with — especially in the long game. Michigan State’s 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes will bring in more talented linebackers — ones that could be an impact early on. With that being said, the three linebacking spots in Rossi’s defense could be filled with plenty of talent in the fall of 2025.
Rossi uses a wide variety of fronts and coverages — he will typically use three linebackers and a hybrid stand-up edge rusher.
If the transfer portal doesn’t poach any talent, this the potential linebacker room for 2025:
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2025 Class Standing: Junior
The recruiting gem of the Mel Tucker era, Hall came in as a four-star recruit and started as a true freshman. Hall was acclimated to the college game fast — playing in all 12 games and starting in six — registering 67 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Hall will be looking to take a big step in his sophomore season in 2024 — and if he does, he could be a serious NFL prospect by the time his junior year arrives.
2025 Class Standing: RS-Senior
Matthews was one of the 2024 transfer portal gems for Jonathan Smith and Rossi. He will likely be a Day 1 starter for the Spartans. In two seasons with Old Dominion, Matthews racked up 148 tackles in 26 games. His 82.9 Pro Football Focus grade last season was tied for 21st among linebackers in the country. Matthews could be another potential NFL prospect.
2025 Class Standing: Junior
Bridgeman was another big portal get — but perhaps for the long run. The competition for 2024 is stiff — but in 2025, he could shine. Bridgeman was one of the top linebackers in the country when he was a recruit, he was No. 37 at his position nationally, per 247Sports. Bridgeman could blossom in Rossi’s scheme.
2025 Class Standing: Junior
Pulliam played one season at Miami before coming to East Lansing in May. Pulliam, 6-foot-3, 240-pounds, has size and was a sprinter in high school. Pulliam is intriguing, and how Rossi uses him in 2024 could flesh out his role for 2025. Regardless, Pulliam could see action in a variety of packages, and perhaps be a pass-rushing linebacker or a rush end for Chad Wilt.
2025 Class Standing: Sophomore
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound four-star Northern Michigan product can do it all and could be a big time player for Michigan State. Pretzlaff likely won’t contribute much in 2024 — the group is stacked — but his long-term potential is immense. National recruiting analyst Allen Trieu wrote, “Good size already and will get stronger in college … Should be a solid coverage linebacker and is a good all around athlete. Approach to the game and intangibles make him a very high floor prospect … potential captain type and a player who should be near the top of his team’s tackles stats.”
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2025 Class Standing: Freshman
White was Smith’s second 2025 commit. White’s potential is high. He is the No. 65 linebacker in his class, per 247Sports, and there is a lot to like about his measurables and his tape. White is 6-foot-3, 190-pounds — he will need to add weight to his frame, but his athleticism is incredible, he is a two-time state qualifier for the 110-meter hurdles. Last year, he finished second in the event. White is a former safety and it shows through his ability in coverage and his ball-skills. Two words to describe his game — fluid and aware. White told Spartan Nation Rossi plans to have him at the strong-side or weak-side spot.
2025 Class Standing: Freshman
Malone was the third 2025 commit for Michigan State. Malone is athletic and can do it all — pass rush, run-stop, and drop into coverage. His tape exhibits incredible ball-skills — he registered multiple interceptions in off-coverage 20-plus yards deep. He told Spartan Nation he had the hips of a defensive back, and the tape doesn’t lie. Malone has a burst that can overwhelm blockers when he pass-rushes. Malone also seems to always be near the ball, and he’s a playmaker.
Michael France is Sports Illustrated’s Michigan State recruiting beat writer, covering all things Big Ten recruiting for Spartan Nation. Be sure to follow him on Twitter/X@michaelfrancesifor exclusive Spartans recruiting coverage.
Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Shelby Township woman stopped for some pizza and a Michigan Lottery ticket during her lunch break. Then, she won a $822,159 Club Keno The Jack prize.
Sue Strong, 65, matched her easy pick The Jack number, 10-26-33-50-56-58-60-67-70, to nine of the 20 Club Keno numbers that were drawn in draw 2569809, according to the Michigan Lottery.
“I regularly play Club Keno, and I always add The Jack to my ticket,” said Strong. “I went out and bought a Club Keno ticket and pizza on my lunch break and then watched the drawings on my phone while I ate. When I saw all my The Jack numbers come in and the jackpot reset to $10,000, I was shocked! It was nerve wracking and exciting, and to be honest, I’ve hardly slept since!”
The lucky player purchased her winning ticket at Party Palace Liquor Inc., at 49133 Schoenherr Road in Shelby Township.
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She plans to share her prize money with her family, pay bills and then save the rest.
This is the largest The Jack prize a player has ever won on the Club Keno game.
The previous record was set in March 2025, when a player won $677,141 from a ticket purchased at JP’s Trolley Stop in Taylor.
The Jack is an optional add-on to a Club Keno ticket that costs $1 per draw.
When playing The Jack, participants receive nine quick-pick numbers and try to match them with the numbers drawn in Club Keno. Prizes range from $1 up to the jackpot, which begins at $10,000 and increases until claimed. To hit the jackpot, all nine numbers must be matched.
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Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from Feb. 26 drawing
03-14-22-50-57, Bonus: 04
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Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lottery’s Regional Offices.
To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to:
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Michigan Lottery
Attn: Claim Center
101 E. Hillsdale
P.O. Box 30023
Lansing, MI 48909
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For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a driver’s license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2.
If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows:
Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325
Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325
Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325
Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325
For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery’s prize claim page.
When are Michigan Lottery drawings held?
Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m.
Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily
Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily
Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday
Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily
Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily
Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form.
MV-22 Osprey and P-51 Jack Aces featured performers
USAF F-16, painted in red, white, and blue in celebration of America 250. (Staff Sgt. Steven Cardo, Thunder Over Michigan)
YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Thunder Over Michigan is returning to Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti to celebrate the semiquincentennial under the theme “Stars, Stripes, and 250 Years Strong.”
Taking place July 17-19, this year’s show will be headlined by the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team with the F-16C Fighting Falcon, plus the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, the P-51 Jack Aces Demo Teams, historic warbirds and aerobatic acts.
Aligning with national America 250 activities marking the Declaration of Independence, over three days Thunder Over Michigan will honor the armed forces, veterans and the nation’s founding.
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To buy tickets or learn more, visit the official Thunder Over Michigan website.
Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
About the Author
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Dane Kelly
Dane Kelly is an Oreo enthusiast and producer who has spent the last seven years covering Michigan news and stories.
