Michigan State linebacker Jordan Hall nears return after missing Eastern Michigan win

Michigan State defensive leader Jordan Hall sat out the team's 35-7 victory over Eastern Michigan on September 12, 2026, due to a right elbow injury. Coach Pat Fitzgerald indicated that the senior linebacker was close to playing and may return for the upcoming rivalry game against Notre Dame on September 19. In Hall's absence, Brady Pretzlaff assumed the primary defensive communication role, recording eight tackles in the win. While Fitzgerald noted that the defense has communication work to address without Hall, he praised the unit's second-half performance. Hall, a two-time captain who led the team with 88 tackles last season, was sidelined after suffering the injury during the season opener against Toledo. The Spartans prepare to travel to South Bend for their first matchup against Notre Dame since 2017.

• 1:47 AMYahoo Sports — MSU defense show flaws without Jordan Hall, but return imminent