Michigan State DT Alex VanSumeren is embracing Big Ten play and ready to make an impact

Ahead of Michigan State’s late kickoff on the West Coast against No. 25 USC this Saturday, sophomore defensive lineman Alex VanSumeren detailed the Spartans' mindset preparation entering Big Ten play.

The Trojans are historically known as a program that often has a strong passing offense, but in 2025, USC is pairing it with a fairly good running game as well. This gives a nice balance to the quarterback and the offense, according to MSU defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Joe Rossi. VanSumeren agrees.

“I think in prior years, they were really like an air raid, airing it out (offense), and this year they are kind of more 50/50," VanSumeren said about USC, addressing how the run game helps balance the Trojans' passing game. "They had a good showing against Purdue and were ready for the challenge."

Coming into this game on the road against a high-octane offense, VanSumeren knows that in order to take stress off the secondary in the passing game, the pass rushers must put pressure on the quarterback in the pocket by getting to him as fast as possible.

“They’ve been getting the ball out fast recently,” VanSumeren said about opposing quarterbacks. "I think 2.7 seconds or something like that is the average. When it's that fast, sometimes even if you having a winning move, the ball is already out. It's not necessarily hard to beat the man, you've got to beat the ball too. So, getting our hands up in the passing lanes, batting some balls ... and when the quarterback does extend the play and it's over, that 2.7 seconds, that when we've gotta get home.” 

Through the first three games of the season, MSU has recorded six sacks, with four of those coming in Week One versus Western Michigan. Getting to USC quarterback Jayden Maiava will be crucial in determining how Saturday's game against the Trojans will go defensively.

While there have been struggles in the pass rush, Michigan State has been strong against the run, currently ranking ninth in the nation in rushing yards per game allowed (64.3). VanSumeren has been a big part of that, playing his role well in the interior. In the 2025 campaign thus far, VanSumeren has recorded nine tackles and a half-tackle for loss, while also combining with defensive end Jalen Thompson for a safety against the Broncos in Week One.