Stephen F. Austin transfer DT Brandon Lane commits to Michigan State
Michigan State has landed another transfer portal commitment, this time in former Stephen F. Austin defensive tackle Brandon Lane. Lane, a redshirt junior, announced his commitment via Pete Thamel on social media following a midweek visit to East Lansing, which wrapped up Thursday.
“I can just see myself playing there,” Lane said prior to his visit. “They meet my needs and I have an opportunity to come in and make a huge impact right away.”
Lane (6-3, 300) spent the previous two seasons at Stephen F. Austin, where he logged a combined 56 career tackles, 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. He posted 45 tackles last season. Lane also spent two seasons at South Dakota State before transferring to Stephen. F Austin.
Lane picked up offers from California, West Virginia, Indiana and Appalachian State, among others, after entering the portal. Lane was the No. 542 overall recruit in the 2024 On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
Lane tells SpartanMag.com that Wisconsin, Iowa, Arkansas, Louisville, Stanford, Georgia Tech, and Kentucky were all in conversation on a trying to get the next visit as he closes down his recruitment. He also took an official visit to Washington.
The Spartans are in the process of replenishing their defensive tackle room following the departures of Simeon Barrow and Derrick Harmon via the portal earlier this spring. Michigan State’s short-term defensive outlook would take a massive hit should both commit elsewhere.
Earning a commitment from Lane was the first step for Michigan State defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa and company in rebuilding the room. They will continue to search for more talent throughout the spring.
Michigan State received a commitment from former Oregon and Indiana defensive lineman Anthony Jones following his official visit earlier this spring. Michigan State recruited Jones to play the rush end position, which he played under current Spartan assistant and then-Hoosier defensive coordinator Chad Wilt.
Former Georgia Tech defensive end Eddie Kelly is also in the mix. He will wrap up his official visit to Michigan State on Thursday.
The Spartans also offered former Bowling Green, Youngstown State and Illinois defensive lineman Anthony Johnson earlier this spring. Johnson has already taken an official visit to East Lansing. SpartanMag is working to gain more insight on his recruitment.
Suiaunoa also offered former Rutgers defensive tackle Rene Konga on April 19. Konga played in 21 career games with the Scarlet Knights, racking up 14 career tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks. He played in 10 games last season, logging eight tackles and a strip sack.
