Michigan State football lands Cincinnati EDGE transfer Tyler Gillison

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Tyler is the younger brother of former Michigan State tight end Trenton Gillison who was recruited under Mark Dantonio and played for Mel Tucker. He transferred to Youngstown State and then Tennessee State.

The Spartans are hoping for better luck with this Gillison.

Tyler redshirted in 2022 with Cincinnati and then saw plenty of action in 2023, recording 15 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a pass breakup in 10 games. And Cincinnati’s competition improved this past season as the Bearcats joined the Big 12, so his numbers are that much more impressive in a better conference. He still didn’t have eye-popping stats, by any means, but he was a reserve edge rusher and linebacker.

Michigan State will need some help off the edge this season and the defensive line could use a shot in the arm. The Spartans lost the likes of Simeon Barrow and Derrick Harmon on the interior as well as Andrew Depaepe and Bai Jobe on the edge. This has felt like a position of need for the past couple of weeks and it’s good to see the staff address it — I doubt this will be the final addition up front.

In fact, the Spartans hosted Nebraska defensive line transfer Ru’Quan Buckley this past weekend so that’ll be a name to watch for.

I’d expect to see plenty of the 6-foot-3, 238-pound defensive end/linebacker this coming season. Joe Rossi’s defense can use all the help it can get.