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Three true freshmen who could find playing time for Michigan State
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- Three true freshmen who could find playing time for Michigan State
Michigan State football is gearing up for its first season under new coach Pat Fitzgerald, and the Spartans are aiming to make their first bowl game since 2021. Coming into the season, Spartan fans will see a bunch of new faces: 29 transfers and 21 incoming freshmen.
While the incoming transfers are expected to play a major role this season, some of the freshmen will almost certainly make their mark in Year 1. 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.
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Check out the three Spartans that could be prime candidates for early playing time:
WR Samson Gash
Michigan State receiver Samson Gash runs after a catch during football practice on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, in East Lansing.
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 for his skills.
As a high-level prospect playing a position that is the 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, and the result is a wide-open competition for spots in 2026.
K Stephen Gonzales
Oct 18, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans kicker Martin Connington (29) attempts a field goal during the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
It might not be flashy, but the kicker is a massively important position on the field. The Spartans had a true freshman assume the kicking role last year when Martin Connington took over the kicker position.
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This year, the kicker position is wide open. Michigan State brought in Charlotte transfer Liam Boyd, who has only attempted 13 field goals in his collegiate career, to go along with Gonzales, who was a highly ranked freshman.
All in all, it is a wide open competition at the kicker spot, and the true freshman could be in line to be the starter.
LB Adam Shaw
Michigan State's Kai Rios, right, catches the ball as Adam Shaw closes in during the football Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
A training camp darling, Shaw has been the talk of the town for his standout play in camp. The Spartan legacy did not come into program as a highly regarded recruit, but he is showing his value since arriving.
The linebacker room is crowded with significant veteran presence. If the rumors are true, however, and the true freshman is shining as much as being reported, it may be hard for Joe Rossi to keep Shaw off the field in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Three true freshmen who could find playing time for Michigan State
