2026 Michigan State NFL Draft Watch: Spartans Hold Secret Weapon On Offense
One of the top tight end targets in the nation resides in East Lansing.
2026 NFL Draft Rankings: QB || RB || WR || TE || OT || OG || C || DT || ER || LB || CB || S
TOP 10 MICHIGAN STATE PROSPECTS FOR 2026
Location: East Lansing, MI || Conference: B1G || Head Coach: Jonathan Smith (1 Year: 5-7; Overall: 39-42) || NFL Draft Picks Under Smith: 1 (1/year) || NFL 1st Round Picks Under Smith: 0 || Spartans in NFL: 25
1. Jack Velling, TE, Sr, 6041, 244, 4.67e (photo: MSU Athletics)
Evaluation: One of the top returning pass-catching tight ends in the country, Velling enters his second season in East Lansing coming off a year in which he nabbed a career-high 36 balls, for 411 yards and one touchdown. Previously, Velling spent three seasons at Oregon State, where he had 45 catches for 719 yards and 11 touchdowns, including a new single-season school record for touchdowns by a tight end (eight) in 2023. The reliable target intends to capitalize on his red zone opportunities more for Michigan State in 2025. It took a while for Velling to adapt to his new environment but once he got comfortable, the Spartans were able to reap the rewards. His sharp route running and quickness make him a difficult matchup for opposing linebackers to defend. In addition, Velling is a superb inline blocker. During the spring, Velling noticeably added more weight and had a much more business-like approach, according to coaches. One area of his game that he self-admittedly has been working on trying to improve upon, is working against man-to-man coverage. As he continues to make strides, look for Velling to climb draft boards and work himself into an early-to-mid round grade.
Background: Fourth-year tight end has played in 35 collegiate games (23 at Oregon State from 2022-23; 12 at MSU in 2024); has started 28 career games (18 at Oregon State, 10 at MSU). Attended Seattle Prep School, where he also played basketball. Son of Jerry and Sara Velling . Father, played college basketball at Santa Clara; grandfather, Roy, played college baseball at Gonzaga and Washington.
Conner Moore, OT, rJr, 6046, 310, 5.22e
Wayne Matthews III, LB, rSr, 6016, 235, 4.67e
