Michigan State has bolstered its roster for the upcoming season by securing transfer center Anton Bonke and top recruit Ethan Taylor. The additions address a critical need in the frontcourt following the graduation of key players. Jesse McCulloch, the lone returning big man, faces a challenging path to playing time but has shown potential to contribute if he can prove his value during the offseason.
Michigan State has finalized its roster for the upcoming season, and head coach Tom Izzo has done an impressive job of retaining key players while addressing critical needs through the transfer portal.
The graduation of Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper left a significant gap in the frontcourt, but Izzo acted swiftly to fill it by securing seven-footer Anton Bonke from Charlotte. Bonke brings exactly what the Spartans needed: a seasoned presence in the paint who can score efficiently near the basket and provide rim protection with his shot-blocking ability. His addition is expected to bolster Michigan State’s defensive and offensive capabilities in the low post.
Michigan State forward Jesse McCulloch (35) makes a jump shot against North Dakota State forward Caleb Schoenrock (22) during the second half of NCAA Tournament First Round at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Thursday, March 19, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images On the recruiting front, Michigan State landed Ethan Taylor, one of the top centers in the 2026 class.
Taylor is a borderline 5-star prospect known for his shot-blocking instincts and inside scoring potential, making him one of the most sought-after big men in this recruiting cycle. With Bonke and Taylor joining the program, Jesse McCulloch remains the only returning big man from last year’s squad. Now entering his third year with the program, McCulloch redshirted his first season and faced inconsistent playing time during his sophomore year.
With the arrival of Bonke and Taylor, McCulloch could find himself outside the rotation unless he has a strong summer. Michigan State's Jesse McCulloch celebrates after drawing a Michigan foul during the first half on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
| Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images During the middle portion of last season, McCulloch showed flashes of potential that suggested he could be a valuable contributor in a college rotation. He logged multiple games with double-digit minutes and made the most of his opportunities.
However, his role diminished toward the end of the year, with his playing time largely limited to garbage time situations when the Spartans held a comfortable lead. Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr., center, is helped up by Jesse McCulloch after getting fouled by Michigan's Aday Mara during the first half on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
| Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images For the season, McCulloch averaged 2.4 points per game on 47% shooting from the field and 50% from three-point range, along with 1.3 rebounds, 0.2 assists, and 0.5 blocks per game. These numbers reflect a player who is still developing but has shown enough efficiency to suggest he can be a reliable contributor when given consistent minutes within the system.
Michigan State's Jesse McCulloch dunks against Cornell during the second half on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images With Bonke and Taylor both joining the program, finding a role for McCulloch becomes a genuine challenge. Bonke is already a proven commodity and enters East Lansing as the projected starter at center.
Last season at Charlotte, the 7-foot-2 big man averaged a career-high 10.6 points per game on 57.6% shooting from the field, while also demonstrating perimeter range at 34% from three. He added 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, numbers that reflect a well-rounded and experienced presence in the frontcourt. Michigan State's Jesse McCulloch celebrates after his dunk against Cornell during the second half on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
| Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Ethan Taylor arrives as one of the top center recruits in the 2026 class. Listed at 7-foot from Link Academy, he projects as the primary backup behind Bonke and will compete directly with McCulloch for minutes throughout the offseason and into the season.
Taylor's longer frame and superior shot-blocking ability give him a physical edge over McCulloch that will be difficult to overcome, particularly early in the season before experience can level the playing field. McCulloch's path to meaningful minutes runs through his ability to demonstrate this summer that he offers something Bonke and Taylor cannot.
Whether that is leadership, defensive versatility, or simply the familiarity with Izzo's system that only a multi-year player can provide, McCulloch will need to make a compelling case for himself before the season tips off
Michigan State Tom Izzo Anton Bonke Ethan Taylor Jesse Mcculloch
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Celtics’ Frontcourt Can't Handle Joel EmbiidChris Mannix and Evan Turner break down how the Sixers tied their series with the Celtics at three games apiece behind Joel Embiid’s dominance over the Celtics’ frontcourt.
Read more »
No charges for ICE agent despite violation of state law, Kane County state's attorney saysFiling charges on agent accused of aggravated battery on Elgin protesters would be exercise in futility, Jamie Mosser explains
Read more »
Michigan Lands Top In-State Prospect Jakari Lipsey in 2027 ClassThis is a big get for Jim Harding.
Read more »
Letters: Foreign aid strengthens U.S. interests abroad at a low costAmerica benefits from a more stable world.
Read more »
Iowa State Football Locks in Commitment With 3-Star In-State TEThe Iowa State Cyclones have secured another commitment in the Class of 2027 from an in-state tight end.
Read more »
Dodgers' Roki Sasaki Strengthens Case for Rotation Spot Despite Loss to CardinalsRoki Sasaki pitched six innings, tying his career-high, as the Dodgers lost 3-2 to the Cardinals, extending their losing streak to four games. Sasaki allowed three runs early but rebounded with three perfect innings, while the Dodgers' offense struggled, scoring only in the ninth. With Blake Snell nearing a return, Sasaki is competing with Emmet Sheehan and Justin Wrobleski for a rotation spot.
Read more »