Hall brings leadership and toughness back to East Lansing, anchoring a defense ready to out-grit opponents under a new regime.
Linebacker Jordan Hall announced on X that he will return to East Lansing for his senior season, despite this being the second coaching change of his Michigan State career.
Hall’s post featured an electric series of clips showing him wreaking havoc across the Big Ten, capped with a simple and direct message: “I’m back.”
Hall’s return is a major win for the Spartans and comes on the same day standout freshman defensive back Aydan West also announced his return. The two combined for a half sack each on Maryland quarterback Malik Washington in MSU’s lone win last season.
With new head coach Pat Fitzgerald wasting no time assembling his defensive staff, it’s clear the identity of this team moving forward will be built on defense. The Spartans plan to out-grit opponents when necessary, and Hall’s return helps ensure that physicality remains intact.
Hall was voted a team captain last season and earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors from both the coaches and media. He led Michigan State with 88 tackles, ranking 11th in the Big Ten. That type of production would have been welcomed almost anywhere in the transfer portal era, yet Hall chose to stay in East Lansing — a decision that may surprise some.
In addition to leading the team in tackles, Hall tied for the team lead in sacks with 2.5, while adding 4.5 tackles for loss (17 yards) and three forced fumbles.
His best performance came against Iowa, where he opened the game at linebacker and recorded the first fumble recovery of his career. Hall finished with eight tackles, including a half tackle for loss, one pass break-up, and played all 61 defensive snaps, the only Spartan defender to do so.
Over three seasons at Michigan State, Hall has totaled 179 tackles (91 solo, 88 assists), 13.0 tackles for loss (67 yards), and 7.0 sacks (56 yards), along with one interception, four pass break-ups, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery across 35 career games, including 19 starts.
The Spartans have also added former MSU linebacker and “grit enthusiast” Max Bullough to the defensive staff. Bullough arrives from Notre Dame, where he helped coach one of the nation’s top defenses, and now returns to his alma mater with the goal of instilling a winning culture beginning as soon as 2026. Hall’s return will be crucial in making that transition successful.
If Hall can unlock his full potential while continuing to lead, there’s a realistic path for him to reach the next level. That will depend on a strong senior season while navigating the challenges that come with a new staff. Fortunately, Fitzgerald retained defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, providing some continuity on that side of the ball.
The Spartans have no time to waste, and every returning player helps accelerate the rebuild. Jordan Hall’s decision to stay in East Lansing brings leadership, toughness, and much-needed stability to Michigan State’s defense.