Five Michigan State football alums who could be drafted next week

The days of Michigan State football's historic NFL Draft streak may have ended back in 2021, but the Spartans are still consistently putting talent into the NFL, and this year will likely be no exception. While the Spartans don't have a marquee name on the bubble for the first round, they do have a handful of players who are certainly in contention to hear their name called.

Below, you can find five Michigan State football alums who could hear their name called next week:

C Matt Gulbin

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 15: Matt Gulbin #51 of the Michigan State Spartans before a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium on November 15, 2025 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

While this list isn't intended to be in any particular order, I will say that the first two players are almost a lock to be drafted at some point, with the first being center Matt Gulbin. Gulbin only played one season for MSU, transferring in from Wake Forest, and he was arguably the best player on the team this year. I've seen Gulbin mocked around the fifth round, but I also wouldn't be shocked to see him go higher. He's good and Mel Kiper Jr. has him ranked as his No. 7 center in the draft.

P Ryan Eckley

Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ryan Eckley of Michigan State punts the ball during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Ryan Eckley wasn't just a punter for Michigan State these past few years; he was a weapon. Eckley routinely pinned opponents at the goal line with precision. Eckley is Mel Kiper Jr.'s No. 2 ranked kicker/punter and I would be shocked if he isn't selected this year.

WR Omari Kelly

Michigan State's Omari Kelly, left, catches a pass as Western Michigan's Aaron Wofford closes in during the second quarter on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in East Lansing.

Another player who only had one season with the Spartans, Omari Kelly was impressive for MSU this past year and projects as either a late-round pick or UDFA.

S Malik Spencer

Michigan State's Malik Spencer, right, tackles Western Michigan's Tailique Williams during the first quarter on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in East Lansing.

We just reported that Malik Spencer had a pre-draft visit with the New England Patriots, so there's some clear interest in him among NFL teams. The question will be if that interest manifests into a draft selection or if he will just be a priority UDFA.

TE Jack Velling

Michigan State's Jack Velling, right, runs after a catch as Iowa's Nick Jackson closes in during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

After he left Oregon State for MSU, Jack Velling had a lot of draft buzz around him. Unfortunately, the Spartans' offense sputtered the last few years, and he wasn't as productive for the Green and White. However, Velling is still an extremely reliable pass-catcher. While he is somewhat limited athletically and as a pass-blocker, his skillset is still coveted in the NFL and could give him a chance to be a late-round draft pick.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Five Michigan State players who could be selected in the NFL Draft