Michigan State football, Brandon Lane mutually part ways

It’s always interesting to see what the real reason is behind these splits and I don’t want to make any rash speculation.

Lane would have been a solid addition to the defensive line as he totaled 44 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks in 11 games last season and Michigan State had just lost Derrick Harmon to the transfer portal. The Spartans also lost Simeon Barrow to the portal earlier in the offseason so the interior of the line was hurting. Lane filled an immediate need but it looks like he’s now going to be doing just that at a different school.

The Spartans are still technically in the running for Harmon who has been in the portal twice this offseason and already decided to return once, but I’d venture to call that one a long-shot. Colorado, USC, Ohio State, and Oregon are also involved there.

Smith is also pushing for Grand Valley State defensive tackle transfer Jay’viar Suggs who is being pursued by some other major programs — USC is heavily involved here. He will be taking a visit to Michigan State on Sunday, per reports.

This isn’t the most ideal situation for the Spartans, especially since Lane just committed on April 26, but if the staff is OK with losing him, then it has to be a trusted move. Let’s hope Smith can land Suggs or even re-land Harmon.

But hey, the Spartans re-landed Andrew Dennis on Thursday night so anything is possible.