BREAKING: MICHIGAN STATE LANDS TRANSFER PORTAL’S NO. 1 OFFENSIVE TACKLE — HE SAYS TWO KEY FACTORS SEALED THE DEAL OVER OHIO STATE AND OTHERS….. READ MORE…..

In one of the biggest transfer portal moves of the offseason, the Michigan State Spartans have landed the top-ranked offensive tackle in the country from the portal — a statement signing that signals a serious step forward for the program under head coach Jonathan Smith.

That player is none other than Conner Moore, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound mauler from Montana State, who turned heads with his dominance at the FCS level. Now, after turning down programs like Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, Moore is bringing his elite protection skills to East Lansing — and Spartans fans have every reason to be fired up.

Moore made his commitment public after a quiet but strategic recruitment process. Though other schools were heavily involved, the Spartans closed the deal swiftly following a highly impactful campus visit. Speaking after his commitment, Moore revealed that two key factors played a decisive role in his decision to pick Michigan State — though he didn’t elaborate on what they were.

“I’ve visited a few schools, but Michigan State just felt different,” Moore said. “From the second I stepped on campus, I knew. There were two things that sealed it for me — things that matter beyond football.”

This marks a massive get for Coach Jonathan Smith and offensive line coach Jim Michalczik, who have made rebuilding the offensive front a top priority. With Moore’s commitment, the Spartans land an experienced, physically dominant lineman who’s ready to start on Day 1.

In the 2024 season at Montana State, Moore gave up just one sack and 11 pressures across 356 pass-blocking snaps — earning him Second-Team FCS All-American honors and a 76.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. His blend of power, agility, and technique made him arguably the most sought-after offensive lineman in the portal.

“Conner Moore isn’t just a transfer — he’s a foundational piece,” Coach Smith said. “He brings experience, toughness, and leadership. We’re excited about what he brings to this program both on and off the field.”

Moore’s commitment gives the Spartans’ offensive line a huge boost heading into the 2025 season, especially after an up-and-down performance from the unit in recent years. Analysts believe Moore’s presence could elevate the entire offense, particularly in giving young quarterbacks more protection and time to operate.

Spartan fans took to social media within minutes of the announcement, flooding timelines with excitement, memes, and messages of welcome. One viral post read: “Conner Moore choosing us over Ohio State?? Coach Smith is cooking something special.”

This isn’t just a typical addition. This is a power move — one that signals Michigan State isn’t playing catch-up in the Big Ten. They’re building something bold, something physical, and something ready to compete.

Moore is expected to enroll this summer and participate fully in fall camp. If he performs as expected, he could very well be on NFL radars by season’s end.