A four-year Michigan State starter at safety, Spencer turned a quiet recruiting profile into 29 college starts and a shot with the Commanders.
Malik Spencer spent his entire college career in East Lansing, growing from a rotational piece into one of Michigan State's most trusted defensive backs. The Buford, Georgia native went undrafted in 2026 but landed with Washington, where he is fighting for a role in a crowded secondary.
Path to the league
Spencer signed with Michigan State out of Buford, Georgia, and stayed four years, appearing in 38 games with 29 starts at safety. He went unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft and signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent, reuniting with former Spartans teammate Matt Gulbin, whom Washington drafted in the sixth round.
Career highlights
Over his Michigan State career, Spencer piled up 173 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions and 13 pass breakups. He developed into a full-time starter by his final two seasons, anchoring a Spartans secondary that leaned on his tackling and instincts in run support.
2025 season recap
As a senior in 2025, Spencer started and played 674 snaps, recording 52 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception and five pass breakups. It was the most productive season of his college career and the tape that helped him earn an undrafted free agent deal with Washington that spring.
Sources
- ESPN: Malik Spencer
- 247Sports: Longtime Michigan State starting S Malik Spencer signs with Commanders as undrafted free agent
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Safety
- Group
- defense
- College
- Michigan State
- Hometown
- Buford, GA, USA
- Age
- 22
- Status
- active
