Swiss-Army Rakeem: MSU’s Lineman Wonder
Rakeem Johnson, a redshirt sophomore at Michigan State, sits at No. 25 on the Spartans’ 2026 top-30 list thanks to his uncanny ability to slide into any of the five offensive-line positions. After four starts at right guard last season, he’s now vying for a full-time role amid a veteran-heavy line featuring transfers Ben Murawski, Nick Sharpe, Trent Fraley, and returning blocker Conner Moore. At 6’4″, 296 pounds, Johnson brings interior strength but has also lined up at tackle in live action. His freshman year saw a redshirt coupled with four appearances, including a milestone start against the eventual national champions, Ohio State. He progressed to playing every snap in the final trio of games last fall and carved out a special-teams niche. Originally committed to Oregon State, he followed coach Jim Michalczik to East Lansing and has earned glowing coach praise ever since. With eligibility through 2028, Johnson isn’t under the knife-your-career microscope this year, but his “jack-of-all-trades” versatility makes him an invaluable depth piece and tantalizing breakout candidate in the trenches.
Bask, Spartans fans, in the glory of Rakeem Johnson—the human Swiss-Army knife your grandma warned you about. Why settle for one position when you can juggle five like a caffeinated octopus? Johnson’s so flexible he could line up as QB, kicker, and waterboy if coaches asked nicely. Imagine the horror of an enemy defense trying to scout him: “He’ll be at guard!” they whisper, only to find him at tackle, then center, then… gosh, where is he now? It’s like Madden created a glitchy lineman mod. Between his multi-position hustle and his previous allegiance to Oregon State, this kid’s career path screams “plot twist” louder than a soap opera cliffhanger. So strap in for 2026—Spartan fans, your trenches just got a wild card named Johnson.
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