Michigan State football hauls in NFL legacy recruits TJ Umenyiora and Quinn Buckey for 2026 class
Photo by Adam Ruff/ Getty Images
When it comes to building a winning culture, Michigan State is leaning into legacy. Over the weekend, the Spartans added two more pieces to their 2026 recruiting puzzle—both with NFL pedigree.
TJ Umenyiora, a defensive back from Georgia and the son of two-time Super Bowl champion Osi Umenyiora, announced his commitment on Saturday, just one day after offensive lineman Quinn Buckey, the son of former NFL player Jeff Buckey, pledged his future to East Lansing. These back-to-back additions mark a pivotal moment in a red-hot June for the Spartans, who now have 13 players locked into their 2026 class.
TJ Umenyiora and Quinn Buckey—sons of former NFL players—join
Michigan State football
's rising
2026 recruiting class
loaded with talent and momentum
On Saturday, June 14, TJ Umenyiora revealed his college decision through a social media post, becoming the latest name to join
Michigan State
's 2026 recruiting class.
A 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive back out of Blessed Trinity Catholic in Roswell, Georgia, Umenyiora is currently rated as one of the top 100 cornerbacks in his class, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. His decision follows a busy recruitment cycle that included official visits to Auburn, Mississippi State, and Northwestern, as well as a trip to Michigan State earlier in the month.
Umenyiora's father, Osi, carved out an 11-year NFL career after being drafted in the second round by the New York Giants in 2003.
He earned two Super Bowl rings and multiple All-Pro honors. Now, it's his son's turn to step into the spotlight. "This is just the beginning," TJ posted in his announcement, referencing his own journey.
Just 24 hours earlier, on Friday, June 13, three-star offensive lineman Quinn Buckey from California also made his pledge to Michigan State public. Buckey is the son of Jeff Buckey, who spent four seasons in the NFL as an offensive lineman.
The younger Buckey brings grit to the offensive front and adds balance to a class that continues to take shape on both sides of the ball.
Michigan State football's 2026 recruiting class surges with June commitments from NFL legacy prospects TJ Umenyiora and Quinn Buckey
The Spartans' 2026 recruiting class now includes 13 players, with nine of those commitments coming in June alone. Leading the way in Michigan State's 2026 class are two standout four-star recruits—quarterback Kayd Coffman and offensive lineman Collin Campbell. With the addition of TJ Umenyiora, the Spartans now have four defensive backs committed on that side of the ball, joining KJ Deriso, Brayden Thomas, and Eliyjah Caldwell-Hardy in the secondary.
This recent momentum shows that Michigan State isn't just focused on athletic potential—it's banking on lineage, leadership, and legacy. With names like Umenyiora and Buckey on board, it's clear that pedigree still matters in the college football arms race.
When the sons of NFL veterans choose your program, it says something about trust, tradition, and future potential. Michigan State may be building for 2026, but the foundation is already taking shape this summer. And if June is any indication, the Spartans are just getting started.
Also Read:
Jaylen Warren's bold offseason overhaul could make him the Pittsburgh Steelers' surprise RB1 in 2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Travis Kelce catches up with Taylor Swift in New York following Kansas City Chiefs minicamp
Travis Kelce with Taylor Swift (via Getty Images) Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce topped a busy week of football, globe-trotting, and media stops with a romantic dinner date in New York City with pop superstar Taylor Swift . The pair was seen in Manhattan just after Travis Kelce completed a required minicamp with the Chiefs, which marked the tight end's proof of balancing the rigors of NFL fame with his celebrity romance. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce spotted together again after Chiefs minicamp and Cannes appearance After a packed schedule that included attending the Kansas City Chiefs minicamp and jetting to Cannes for a podcast panel, Travis Kelce was seen coming into Manhattan directly from Kansas City. He wasn't alone, of course. Hesitant to leave his close friend and former teammate Ross Travis behind, and Travis Kelce brought him along as well. But the real commotion started when Taylor Swift stepped out with Travis Kelce after dinner. The couple was captured on video by a fan. Travis Kelce's week was anything but leisurely. Before the NYC supper, the 34-year-old veteran recently finished up minicamp responsibilities in Kansas City, his chiseled, lean body making headlines with reporters and staff members alike. Beginning his 13th NFL year, Kelce remains a foundation stone of the Kansas City Chiefs offense and is nowhere near slowing down, even amid rumors of an eventual retirement within the next few years. Earlier this week, Kelce was joined by his brother, Jason Kelce, in France to address the Amazon Port Panel at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The brothers were there to promote their popular podcast, New Heights, which remains popular among both sports and entertainment fans. Less than 24 hours from the Cannes panel, Kelce returned to Kansas City to perform team activities prior to traveling to New York again to catch up with Swift, emphasizing the tight end's endless schedule and capacity to be present both on and off the field. Also read: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship gets another nod in Chiefs' new video Travis Kelce's hectic week—across countries and high-profile engagements—ended on a personal note with Taylor Swift accompanying him. As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for yet another Super Bowl journey, Kelce still lives with the pressures of professional football and his highlighted personal life with admirable aplomb. Whether on the gridiron, on stage, or walking Manhattan streets, the featured tight end has no intention of slowing his pace as his relationship with Swift has everyone who is anyone watching in anticipation. Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Taylor Swift's NFL impact goes beyond Travis Kelce—Erin Andrews explains how she changed the game
Erin Andrews believes Taylor Swift made football more inclusive for women (Getty Images) Taylor Swift's presence at Kansas City Chiefs games may have initially drawn headlines for her romance with Travis Kelce , but the ripple effects of her involvement in the NFL world have reached far beyond celebrity buzz. Longtime FOX sideline reporter Erin Andrews believes that Swift has played a meaningful role in making the league more accessible and enjoyable for female viewers—and the numbers appear to back her up. How Taylor Swift helped change the game for women watching the NFL, according to Erin Andrews During a live taping of her Calm Down podcast with co-host Charissa Thompson at the Cannes Lions 2025 Festival of Creativity, Andrews addressed how Swift's affiliation with the NFL has helped shift the perception of professional football among casual female fans. While answering a question from the audience about coverage of women's sports, Andrews steered the conversation toward the changing demographic landscape of NFL viewership. 'Our ratings are up for women, which is huge for us,' Andrews shared. 'What's really cool is women aren't as afraid. Listen, America's Game of the Week, which is the game I do on Sundays, the demographic is split down the middle. It's like the highest-rated show for women out there, which is amazing for us.' That surge in interest didn't happen in a vacuum. Andrews pointed to Taylor Swift's popularity and her willingness to step into the NFL spotlight—cheering on Kelce from luxury suites and becoming a visual fixture of Chiefs game days—as a major factor. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 노안+백내장 안보이는 답답함! 더는 방치 하지 마세요! 부산백내장노안 전문안과 더 알아보기 Undo 'But I think the casual fan doesn't feel as afraid to watch professional sports right now, watch the NFL because, well, our girl Taylor helped out with that,' she said. 'It's cool. Which, we're excited. We want casual fans, we want fans that know a lot. Listen to the podcast, watch our broadcasts, we'll help teach you the game.' Interestingly, Andrews and Thompson had once publicly encouraged Swift to consider Kelce as a romantic interest. 'If you are looking for a guy, please try our friend Travis, he is fantastic,' Andrews said in a 2023 podcast episode. 'This is one, Taylor, I know we're not the best of friends, we're not even friends, but I consider you one. Take us up on this, go on a date with this guy.' Swift apparently took that advice to heart. Since going public with Kelce, she's been regularly spotted at NFL games, and in the process, has brought a wave of new fans—especially women—into the league's orbit. According to Marissa Solis, the NFL's senior vice president of global brand and consumer marketing, nearly 47% of the league's audience now comprises women, a number that continues to climb. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged the impact of Swift's involvement. 'Having the 'Taylor Swift effect' is also a positive,' he said. 'Both Travis and Taylor are wonderful young people, and they seem very happy. She knows great entertainment, and I think that's why she loves NFL football.' While it's unclear how long Swift will remain a regular presence at NFL games, what's evident is that her influence has helped redefine how women connect with the sport. With Andrews continuing her Sunday coverage on FOX and Swift expected to return to the stands for the upcoming season, the NFL may have found one of its most unexpected and effective ambassadors. Also Read: Gisele Bündchen is now $100 million richer than Tom Brady and it shows she's not just a supermodel but a business powerhouse Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
Landon Dickerson stuns teammates with dream purchase after massive 84 million NFL contract
Landon Dickerson stuns teammates with dream purchase after massive 84 million NFL contract (Image via Getty) Many football stars use their big contracts to buy luxury cars or homes. But one NFL player had something very different in mind. After landing a massive deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, Landon Dickerson made a simple and funny wish. It had nothing to do with fashion or fame. Fans were surprised and started talking about it online. What did Landon Dickerson want to buy first with his $84 million deal? The answer left many smiling—and it actually happened just a few days later. Landon Dickerson signs $84 million deal and says he just wants a lawnmower On March 4, 2024, Landon Dickerson, 25 years of age and an offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles, signed a four-year extension worth $84 million that made him one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL. But at the Philadelphia Eagles training complex in Philadelphia after introducing him at a press conference following signing the extension, Landon Dickerson said,'I think I'm gonna get me a new lawnmower. ' People thought he was joking. Most players talk about vacations or cars after signing a huge contract. But Landon Dickerson, known for his calm and funny personality, seemed serious. On social media, the quote quickly gained traction. The down-to-earth attitude of NFL supporters drew them in, and they began posting images and films honoring his statement. Some even called him a 'legend' for keeping things simple. Landon Dickerson gets his dream lawnmower and shows it off with pride A few days after the press conference on March 8, 2024, Landon Dickerson followed up. What he bought that day was a brand new, high end, John Deere zero turn mower and he posted a picture of himself standing excitedly next to it on Instagram. The picture looked nice with the blue Pennsylvania sky in the background and you could see he was thrilled. 'Been dreaming of this one for a while,' he wrote in the caption. His teammates and fans flooded the post with laughing emojis and praise. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts even commented, 'Now that's how you celebrate.' The moment proved that even after a huge payday, Landon Dickerson still keeps it simple—and very real. Also Read: THROWBACK: Eagles OG Landon Dickerson's Last Snap In Alabama Crimson Tide Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
