Michigan State lands former Old Dominion LB Wayne Matthews via the transfer portal
Michigan State continues to add to their 2024 roster, using the transfer portal to land former Old Dominion linebacker Wayne Matthews on Jan. 10. Matthews has two years of eligibility remaining, spending the previous three seasons with Old Dominion.
While in the transfer portal, the linebacker took an official visit to Mississippi State. Matthews then spent the weekend in East Lansing with his visit beginning on Jan. 7.
Matthews (6-2, 205), originally of Largo, Md., had a breakout year in 2023, logging 135 tackles, 3.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Matthews had a role on special teams in 2022, repping behind All-American Monarch linebacker Jason Henderson. He redshirted in 2021, making Matthews a redshirt junior in 2024.
The incoming linebacker will join an improved Michigan State linebacker room for the 2024 season, as the Spartans also added former Wisconsin starting linebacker Jordan Turner earlier this offseason. Matthews and Turner will join rising star Jordan Hall in the Spartan linebacker room. Veteran Darius Snow announced his plans to return for 2024, with another veteran and former starter in Cal Haladay also returning. Junior Ma’a Gaoteote also remains on the roster headed into spring ball.
From the high school ranks, Michigan State signed four-star linebacker Brady Pretzlaff, of Gaylord, Mich., in the class of 2024 as the Spartans still wait on the letter of intent from three-star Portage (Mich.) Northern linebacker Jadyn Walker. Walker visited USC just before signing day, delaying his final decision until February. SpartanMag.com is told USC has the slight edge for Walker, as the Spartan look to bring him to campus for an unofficial visit in January.
Former Idaho linebacker Xe’ree Alexander was also on campus for an official visit over the weekend (Jan. 5), as SpartanMag.com was told Michigan State once sat in a strong position to possibly land both transfer portal linebackers. However, Alexander announced his commitment to UCF on Wednesday afternoon.
