If you’ve been following the mess in East Lansing over the last year, you know that the "Jonathan Smith era" didn't exactly go to plan. It was fast. It was messy. And honestly, it left the roster in a state of flux that most fans are still trying to wrap their heads around. But as we move into 2026 under Pat Fitzgerald, the conversation is shifting. The most fascinating part of this rebuild isn't just the coaching change; it's the total overhaul of the running back Michigan State room.
Seriously, look at the depth chart from two years ago compared to now. It’s unrecognizable.
We saw Nate Carter head to the NFL (he's with the Falcons now, by the way). We saw Makhi Frazier, who was arguably the brightest spot of the 2025 season with his 100-yard performances against Western Michigan, decide to pack his bags for the transfer portal. Even Elijah Tau-Tolliver is gone after finally exhausting his eligibility.
So, who is actually left to carry the rock?
The New Faces of the Spartan Backfield
If you're looking for a "bell cow" back, the name you need to circle is Cam Edwards.
He’s a transfer from UConn, and the dude is a absolute workhorse. In 2025, while the Spartans were struggling through a coaching transition, Edwards was quietly racking up over 1,200 yards for the Huskies. He’s big, he’s durable, and he’s exactly the kind of "downhill" runner that Fitzgerald loves to lean on.
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But he isn't the only one coming through the portal. The staff went out and got Marvis Parrish from Western Kentucky too. Parrish is interesting because he's a true sophomore with three years of eligibility left. He put up nearly 800 all-purpose yards last year. He’s more of the "lightning" to Edwards' "thunder."
Then there is Jaziun Patterson, the transfer from Iowa. If you watch Big Ten football, you know what Iowa backs are: tough, fundamental, and used to running behind a heavy blocking scheme. Adding him into the mix gives State three legitimate starters. It's kinda wild how fast they filled the room after losing Frazier.
The Surprising Return of Brandon Tullis
A few weeks ago, most people assumed Brandon Tullis was gone.
With three high-profile transfers coming in, why would a guy who only got 69 carries last year stay? Well, he surprised everyone by announcing his return for his junior year.
- 2025 Stats: 301 yards, 4 touchdowns.
- Average: 4.4 yards per carry.
- The Vibe: He’s the "glue" guy who knows the building.
Tullis isn't just a backup. When Frazier went down with injuries last season, Tullis was the guy who stepped up and kept the chains moving. He’s got that "Sparty Dog" mentality that the fanbase gravitates toward. He knows he has to fight for carries against three new transfers, but honestly, that competition usually makes the whole room better.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the MSU Run Game
There’s this common misconception that Michigan State’s run game died after Kenneth Walker III left for the Seattle Seahawks.
Sure, nobody is replacing K9. That was a once-in-a-generation season. But the struggles over the last two years weren't always about the backs themselves. The offensive line was, frankly, a sieve at times.
In 2025, the Spartans averaged 4.49 yards per carry as a team, but they were significantly worse in losses (barely 3 yards per carry in some games). When the defense can't get off the field, the run game gets abandoned.
Fitzgerald’s approach is different. He wants to shorten the game. He wants to use guys like Carson Gulker, the H-back transfer from Ferris State, to create extra gaps. You aren't going to see a wide-open spread offense that ignores the ground game. You're going to see a "fistfight in a phone booth" style of football.
The 2026 Depth Chart Prediction
If I’m betting on how the rotation shakes out during fall camp, it looks something like this:
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- Cam Edwards: The clear RB1. He didn't come here to sit on the bench.
- Brandon Tullis / Marvis Parrish: A rotating RB2 situation depending on the down and distance.
- Jace Clarizio: The young gun. Fans have been high on him since high school, but he’s likely a year away from a massive role.
It's a "deep" room, which is a luxury MSU hasn't had in a while.
Why This Matters for Aidan Chiles
We can't talk about the running back Michigan State situation without mentioning the quarterback. Aidan Chiles is still the face of the program, but he was asked to do way too much last year.
When you have a reliable run game, the windows for guys like Nick Marsh open up. If Edwards can force opposing safeties to creep into the box, Marsh is going to have a field day on those deep posts. It’s all connected.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you are tracking the progress of this unit leading into the spring game, keep an eye on these specific developments:
- Watch the O-Line Transfers: The success of Cam Edwards depends entirely on whether the new tackles, like Collin Campbell, can hold their own in the Big Ten.
- Parrish’s Role in the Pass Game: Marvis Parrish had 203 receiving yards last year. Look for him to be a "third-down back" specialist who can leak out of the backfield.
- The "Fitzgerald" Identity: Expect more heavy sets. If you see two tight ends and a fullback on the field, it’s a sign that the ground game is officially back as the team's primary identity.
The days of relying on one superstar back to save the season are probably over. Michigan State is building a stable. It might not be as flashy as the K9 era, but it’s a whole lot more sustainable for a team trying to climb back to the top of the Big Ten.