MSU scholarship count: Over the limit, for now
NCAA football programs are limited to 85 scholarships for players per season. Teams have to be compliant with that limit by the beginning of fall camp.
Here's a breakdown of where Michigan State stands after National Signing Day on Wednesday:
• MSU loses 16 scholarship seniors, plus junior left tackle Jack Conklin to the NFL, for a total of 17.
• A total of 65 scholarship underclassmen are returning.
• MSU expects seniors Ed Davis, Damon Knox and Brandon Clemons to be granted sixth years of eligibility, for a total of 68 players on scholarship.
• Offensive tackle Cole Chewins, who grayshirted in 2015, is on scholarship. And senior running back Delton Williams is expected to be back on scholarship this season, bringing the total to 70.
• MSU added 19 scholarship players on National Signing Day, including Mufi Hunt, who was part of the 2015 class and is now on campus. New Ohio kicker Matthew Coghlin is grayshirting and won't count against the 2016 numbers.
• That adds up to a total of 89 scholarship players, which suggests that MSU has had or expects some attrition. Coach Mark Dantonio has yet to announce any departures from the program.