Former Oregon defensive tackle Ben Roberts has committed to Michigan State. He announced the news on social media on Wednesday.
Roberts took a visit to East Lansing on Wednesday.
After entering the transfer portal on May 1, and spending two seasons with the Ducks, Roberts joins MSU in hopes of strengthening the Spartans' reworked defensive line as they gear up for the 2024 season.
During his true freshman season in 2022, Roberts didn’t appear in any games for Oregon during its 10-3 season.
In his sophomore season, Roberts appeared in five games for the Pac-12 runner-up in 2023. He recorded one tackle each against both Stanford and Colorado for a total of two. He also blocked an extra point against the Buffaloes.
According to Pro Football Focus, Roberts played 34 total defensive snaps and two special teams snaps in 2023.
Additionally, Roberts had a connection to the current Michigan State coaching staff. While he was with the Ducks the past two seasons, current Michigan State cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin was the cornerbacks coach and passing game coordinator for Oregon under head coach Dan Lanning.
As a 2022 three-star recruit out of East High School in Salt Lake City, Roberts was offered by 12 FBS schools. He committed to play for Oregon on Sep. 5, 2021. Additionally, Roberts took visits to Nebraska and Washington.
Roberts has three years of eligibility remaining. He joins an interior defensive line group that includes sophomores Alex VanSumeren and Ben Nelson. Seniors and possible starters or heavy rotational players Maverick Hansen and D’Quan Douse are also in the interior defensive line group for the Spartans heading into the season, among others.
The 6-foot-2, 310-pound Roberts will also be alongside fellow defensive line transfers in former Nebraska defensive tackle Ru’Quan Buckley, who committed to MSU on May 6, and Old Dominion transfer Jalen Satchell, who committed on May 12.
At Michigan State, Roberts will play under head coach Jonathan Smith, defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Joe Rossi, defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa, Martin and the rest of the staff.
Roberts is the 10th transfer commitment that the Spartans have added since the spring transfer portal window opened on April 16.
To keep up with all of Michigan State's transfer portal activity, click here.
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