Michigan State earns commitment from Houston Christian DB Tyran Chappell

Michigan State has received a commitment from Houston Christian (FCS) transfer portal defensive back Tyran Chappell. He will be a part of head coach Pat Fitzgerald's first roster in East Lansing.

Chappell took an official visit to Michigan State on Jan. 3 and Jan 4. He will have three years of eligibility left.

In 11 games in 2025, Chappell recorded 27 tackles, two tackles for loss, four interceptions and 11 passes defended. Chappell has recorded 29 career tackles in 14 games.

He earned first-team All-Southland Conference honors in 2025, and was named as an FCS Freshman All-American by Sports Illustrated.

According to Pro Football Focus, Chappell was HCU's highest graded defended in 2025 with an overall defensive grade of 84.8. He was also the top-graded player in coverage for the Huskies with a coverage grade of 83.5. Chappell played 629 total defensive snaps and 67 snaps on special teams this past season.

Per PFF, Chappell played the majority of his defensive snaps as a wide cornerback (561) and he projects as a cornerback for MSU as well. He will play under Fitzgerald, defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, cornerbacks coach Hank Poteat and the rest of the new MSU staff.

Chappell is the second transfer player to announce a commitment to the Spartans. He joins UConn offensive tackle Ben Murawski.