Matt Gulbin on Michigan State’s Mindset: 'Play Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere'
Graduate transfer Matt Gulbin has quickly become the anchor of Michigan State’s offensive line, stepping in at center after Tanner Miller’s departure. The veteran has not missed a snap through three games and embraces the responsibility that comes with the role. As the Spartans prepare for their toughest test yet against USC, Gulbin’s approach is steady: “Play anyone, anytime, anywhere.”
Graduate transfer Matt Gulbin, has stepped into the center role for the Spartans this season. Based on his experience, consistency, and leadership, Gulbin is tasked with not only holding the line but with helping guide younger teammates through rotations and challenges. Through the first three games, he’s proven he can handle the workload while keeping the unit steady.
The Anchor Michigan State Needed
Matt Gulbin may not jump off the page, but he was one of Michigan State’s most important transfer portal additions this offseason. When center Tanner Miller graduated, taking 733 of the Spartans’ 771 snaps from 2024 with him, the position became one of the staff’s biggest concerns. Miller had been the anchor of the line and replacing that kind of stability was essential.
Experience From Wake Forest
The solution came in Gulbin, a graduate transfer from Wake Forest. He started 23 games for the Demon Deacons, primarily at left guard (11) and right guard (11), with only one career start at center. In his final season at Wake, Gulbin earned honorable mention All-ACC honors, graded as the No. 2 guard in the conference, and ranked No. 47 nationally at his position by Pro Football Focus. He allowed just one sack all year. Despite his limited experiene in the middle of the line, Gulbin has not missed a beat for the Spartans.
Early Season Tests
For Michigan State to compete in the Big Ten, the offensive line must be reliable. Through three games, the group has been tested, giving up eight sacks on quarterback Aidan Chiles, four against Western Michigan and four against Boston College. Gulbin has not missed a snap this season, and despite the workload, he says he feels “pretty good.”
“The strength staff does a good job of stretches and what not, just to keep my body in tune,” Gulbin said. “So, I feel pretty good on those rotations.” With him anchoring the line while players rotate in next to him, Gulbin makes the standard clear. “Whoever is out there has to do their job, or else they shouldn’t be out there,” he said. “But no, it doesn’t really change anything. The expectation is for the position, not the player.”
Preparing for USC
Last week’s opponent wasn’t the toughest, but Gulbin says there was still plenty to take away.
“You watch it like you would any game," he said. "What did you do good? What did you do bad? There’s stuff we’ve got to fix. And there’s stuff we did versus them that probably isn’t going to work against our next opponent.”
The Spartans travel to USC this weekend, a trip Gulbin says the team is preparing for. “We played decent overall,” he added. “But we’re just trying to get better for this week.”
As for what needs improvement, Gulbin points to the basics.
“I think we can finish better, get more movement and what not, just be more efficient in our game. It’s stuff we can fix,” he said.
