Spartans starting safety announces return for 2026 season

Michigan State football is getting back a key defensive starter who was forced to miss most of this past season with an injury.

Spartans starting safety Nikai Martinez announced on Friday that he'll be returning for another season at Michigan State. He posted a simple message on his social media X account stating his return: "I'm back."

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Martinez will be a redshirt senior next year after playing in only four games this past season due to injuries. Next season will mark his third season at Michigan State, orginially starting his career at UCF and transferring to the Spartans after two seasons with the Golden Knights.

In his career, Martinez has appeared in 43 games (16 at Michigan State). He has 150 tackles (5 for loss), 1 sack, 5 interceptions and 5 passes defended during his career.

Michigan State is losing a number of players in the secondary to the portal, so the return of Martinez helps stabilize the back half of the Spartans defense. He will bring plenty of experience, high-level talent and leadership to the Michigan State defense next fall. This is a big deal for the Spartans to have Martinez back for another season in 2026.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: 'I'm back.' MSU starting safety Nikai Martinez returning for 2026 season