UConn's elite offensive tackle commits to Michigan State, injecting immediate size and credibility into a struggling offensive line.
Michigan State is officially on the board in the transfer portal.
The Spartans landed a major commitment Sunday as UConn offensive tackle Ben Murawski—the No. 4 ranked offensive tackle in the portal class per 247Sports—announced he will play in East Lansing next season, per Justin Thind.
New head coach Pat Fitzgerald has been handed one of the toughest rebuilds in college football. After a disappointing 4–8 season and a coaching change, more than 40 players departed via the transfer portal, leaving Fitzgerald and his staff to rebuild the roster almost from scratch.
That task means evaluating and meeting with hundreds of portal prospects, identifying the right fits for Michigan State—and hoping those players feel the same way about East Lansing.
Some portal additions arrive quietly. Others flirt with multiple programs before ultimately committing elsewhere. Murawski fell firmly into the latter category.
After visiting Michigan State, the massive offensive lineman shut things down and committed to the Spartans despite having upcoming visits scheduled with UCF, Oklahoma State, and Cal.
And it’s easy to see why this is such a significant win.
Murawski graded as the third-best run blocker in all of FBS last season, according to Pro Football Focus. At 6-foot-7, 335 pounds, he brings instant size, strength, and credibility to an offensive line that struggled mightily in 2024.
The impact goes beyond just one position.
Michigan State’s offensive struggles last season—particularly in pass protection and run blocking—made the program a tough sell for skill-position players. Quarterbacks were forced into quick throws, running lanes were scarce, and confidence eroded as the season wore on.
Murawski’s commitment changes that narrative.
As a skill player evaluating portal options, improved protection matters. Murawski provides it immediately, and his presence alone could help attract additional portal talent—especially running backs.
One name to watch is Cam Edwards, Murawski’s former UConn teammate, who already has a visit scheduled with Michigan State. Edwards rushed for 1,240 yards and 15 touchdowns last season running behind Murawski and the Huskies’ offensive line. If there’s one thing running backs value, it’s familiarity and trust up front—and Murawski offers both.
Even if Michigan State doesn’t land Edwards or another portal skill player—though that seems unlikely—the benefits of Murawski’s commitment are massive for the players already on the roster.
Quarterback Milivojevic, who started the final four games last season, endured constant pressure behind one of the nation’s most porous offensive lines. Improved protection should boost both his confidence and effectiveness, particularly in the passing game.
The ripple effect extends to the running back room as well, led by Elijah Tau-Tolliver, who finished with 336 yards on 46 carries over the final four games—the same stretch Milivojevic started. Pairing that group with one of the best run blockers in college football is a tangible step forward.
This is a foundational addition for Fitzgerald and the program.
Momentum is building in East Lansing, and if this commitment is any indication, Michigan State is far from done in the portal.
I’ll be here all day—and all offseason—tracking every move.