In a stunning shake-up of the college hockey landscape, the Michigan State Spartans have pulled off one of the biggest recruiting coups in recent NCAA history, landing three elite transfers who are expected to transform the program into a national powerhouse overnight.
Head coach Adam Nightingale announced Friday morning that Michigan State has secured commitments from:
- Logan Vance, the No. 1-ranked goaltender in the NCAA transfer portal, formerly of Denver University, and a 2023 Hobey Baker Award finalist.
- Jared Makinen, a two-time NCAA Champion defenseman from the University of Minnesota, known for his lockdown defensive play and unmatched postseason leadership.
- Tyler Cross, a first-team ACC All-American forward who led Boston College in scoring the past two seasons and brings explosive speed and elite vision to the Spartan offense.
“We’re building something special in East Lansing,” Coach Nightingale said in a press conference. “These guys didn’t just choose us for the rink—we’re creating a culture of winning, accountability, and excellence that speaks for itself.”
The signings mark a seismic moment for the Spartans, who are coming off their first NCAA tournament appearance in over a decade and are hungry for a deeper run. The addition of these three stars is expected to catapult Michigan State into preseason top-five territory.
Sources close to the program say that the trio chose Michigan State over offers from traditional powerhouses like Michigan, Boston University, North Dakota, and Minnesota. NIL opportunities, a rejuvenated locker room culture, and the promise of immediate ice time reportedly factored heavily into their decisions.
“Michigan State has always had the tools—now it has the talent,” said ESPN college hockey analyst John Buccigross. “With Vance in net, Makinen anchoring the blue line, and Cross up front, this team isn’t just good—they’re championship material.”
Vance, a junior, led the nation with a .935 save percentage last season, while Makinen logged the most postseason ice time of any defenseman during Minnesota’s back-to-back title runs. Cross, a rising senior, racked up 56 points last season, dazzling fans with his breakaway speed and clutch scoring.
Spartan fans are already buzzing with championship hopes, and ticket sales have surged since the news broke. The 2025-26 season can’t come soon enough in East Lansing.
