For the second year in a row, an offensive lineman has transferred into Michigan State, played one season and gotten drafted into the NFL.

Center Matt Gulbin on Saturday was picked by the Washington Commanders in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Gulbin’s selection, No. 209 overall and 28th in the sixth round, marks the fifth year in a row at least one Spartan has been drafted after the program’s 80-year streak was snapped in 2021.

The 6-foot-4, 305-pound native of Wilton, Connecticut, spent his final year of NCAA eligibility in East Lansing after four years at Wake Forest. Gulbin, who was voted a team captain, started MSU’s first 11 games at center, playing every offensive snap along the way, before an injury kept him out of the finale as the Spartans finished 4-8.

A year ago, MSU’s lone draft pick was offensive lineman Luke Newman, a one-year transfer from Holy Cross, who went to the Chicago Bears in the sixth round. 

Before joining the Spartans, Gulbin – one of MSU’s two prospects invited to the NFL combine, along with punter Ryan Eckley – played in 41 games at Wake Forest, including 34 starts. He picked up All-ACC honorable mention recognition in 2024 when he started all 12 games, playing guard and center for the Demon Deacons.

Ahead of the draft, NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein wrote the following evaluation of Gulbin: “Three-year starter with average size and good power. Gulbin is better at climbing to linebackers than he is at moving laterally to seal in the run game. He can be outreached at the point, but he stays tight to his block to reduce length disadvantages. He excels when washing away targets on inside-zone plays with strong leg drive. He anchors well in protection, but he must stay square and be more alert to loopers on twists. Short arms reduce his margin for error but his consistent body of work suggests he has a chance to make a roster as a center who can swing to guard in a pinch.”

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