Michigan State’s defensive line enters the 2026 season facing a stark shortage of experience and depth, a reality that has dominated the offseason conversation in East Lansing.
A line in transition
The interior line lost four key contributors who combined for a substantial share of snaps and production in the previous year, leaving a void that the coaching staff must address.
Winston DeLattiboudere III, the new defensive line coach, brings a résumé that includes stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota and Akron, and he leans on his relationship with former defensive coordinator Joe Rossi for continuity.
Ben Roberts, the Spartans’ most seasoned interior defender, started six of seven games last season but missed time due to injury, and he is expected to shoulder a larger load than his 371 career defensive snaps might suggest.
Eli Coenen, an Illinois transfer, is projected as the second‑best tackle on the roster; his speed and steady rise from redshirting in Division II to Big Ten competition have generated optimism.
Derrick Simmons, the lone four‑star recruit in the 2025 class, redshirted a year ago to adjust from Division 5 to Big Ten football, and he now figures into the rotation alongside Roberts.
Carlos Hazelwood, a Toledo transfer, has seen limited action but showed flashes of promise with eight pressures in 49 pass‑rushing snaps last season.
Mikeshun Beeler and true freshman Hudson Aultman remain question marks, their minimal college snaps leaving the staff uncertain about their readiness.
With depth thin, Roberts and Coenen are slated to be the primary starters while Simmons and Hazelwood provide rotational support, a configuration that places the onus on Roberts to exceed his previous snap count.
The road ahead
The success of the unit will hinge on health, development and the ability of the newcomers to translate practice performance into game‑day impact, a challenge that will define the Spartans’ defensive identity in 2026.