Michigan State Spartans Impress 3-Star Defensive Lineman Nehemiah Kolone
The Michigan State Spartans hosted a 3-star defensive lineman Nehemiah Kolone for a visit on June 6 and the Stillwater, Okla. had nothing but good things to say about East Lansing.
Michigan State Spartans' defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa.Nick King/Lansing State Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In fact, he canceled his visit with Kansas following his time with the Spartans. Still on his list, BYU is the last school he has scheduled to see.
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Out of his nine offers, Michigan State is within reach of landing the defensive lineman. By the end of June, Kolone hopes to reach a decision between the Spartans, BYU, and Oklahoma State.
Kolone is ranked No. 863 overall, according to 247Sports Composite. He's listed as the No. 18 prospect out of Oklahoma and the No. 90 defensive lineman overall.
Out of the 12 commits from the class of 2026, the offense is crowding up the most. Kayd Coffman, Joey Caudill, Eddie Whiting, Eli Bickel, Cory House, Collin Campbell, Quinn Buckey, and Braylon Hodge make up the eight recruits on the offensive side of the ball. Defensive tackle Chris Knauls, safeties Eliyjah Caldwell-Hardy and Brayden Thomas, and cornerback K.J. Deriso are the only defensive players to commit so far.
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The Spartans have also extended another offer to a cornerback out of Florida.
In the 2024 season, the Spartans' defense was 15th in the Big Ten for average points allowed (26.1) and 10th in their conference for yards allowed per game (332).
If head coach Jonathan Smith can land a few more defensemen out of the class of 2026, the near and far future of Michigan State could start an upwards trend.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
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