EAST LANSING – Just inside the glass entrance of the Skandalaris Football Center, a wall honors the 2014 Michigan State football team—a symbol of the program’s modern golden era. That group helped power the Spartans to a 36-5 run over three seasons, a Big Ten championship, and a trip to the College Football Playoff in 2016. It also happened to be the moment Conner Moore became a fan.
Growing up in Millbury, Ohio, in a family full of Ohio State supporters, Moore made a surprising choice—he backed the green and white. Now, he’s living out his childhood dream as a Michigan State Spartan.
Moore, a second-team FCS All-American offensive lineman from Montana State, transferred to MSU this winter and is finishing up his first spring in East Lansing.
“I grew up a Michigan State fan, so this was huge for me,” Moore said after Thursday’s practice. “Getting the chance to play for the team I loved as a kid is really special.”
Lightly recruited out of high school, Moore developed into a standout at Montana State, starting 28 games split between left tackle and left guard. He helped lead the Bobcats to the FCS national title game this past January before entering the transfer portal the very next day.
Once in the portal, Moore’s profile skyrocketed. He received interest from several major programs and took visits to Cincinnati and Michigan State before canceling planned trips to Ohio State and Auburn. During his MSU visit, he attended a basketball game at the Breslin Center and got a surprise welcome from head coach Jonathan Smith, athletic director Alan Haller, and university president Kevin Guskiewicz.
“I had no idea I’d be meeting all of them,” Moore said. “It was a cool experience—walking onto the court, shaking hands, just seeing how invested everyone was.”
Moore committed to Michigan State on January 11, just two days after that visit. He cited a strong connection with offensive line coach Jim Michalczik and a culture that reminded him of what he was used to at Montana State.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 309 pounds, Moore is making the jump to Big Ten football but brings plenty of experience. Montana State opened last season with a win over FBS opponent New Mexico and went undefeated until a narrow loss to North Dakota State.
“I honestly felt like we were the better team going into that game,” Moore said of the New Mexico win. “We had a lot of talent, so it didn’t feel like an upset to me.”
While FBS programs often have superior resources, Moore believes the top-end talent in FCS can rival the best of the Big Ten—the difference, he said, is depth.
This marks the second year in a row Michigan State has brought in an FCS All-American lineman. Last season, it was Holy Cross transfer Luke Newman, who became a 12-game starter at left guard. Moore is currently working at right tackle—his first reps on that side since his freshman year.
“He’s adjusting well,” said Michalczik. “He’s smooth and athletic. There are areas to refine in his technique, but he just gets the job done.”
Coaches even showed Moore tape of Newman during his visit, and Newman personally called to share his experience. Now 11 practices into spring ball, Moore is growing more comfortable with the switch to right tackle.
“I’ve enjoyed the challenge,” Moore said. “It’s been fun learning the different footwork and getting back into the rhythm on that side.”
After a season plagued by injuries and inconsistency, Michigan State’s offensive line returns key starters in Stanton Ramil and Ashton Lepo. Moore is one of four veteran transfers brought in to elevate the group’s overall performance.
“I think the room is in a great spot,” Michalczik said. “The culture is right, the focus is there, and the new guys have only made it better.”
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