Arizona State has solidified the backfield by officially recruiting former Michigan State cornerback Chance Rucker via the transfer portal. Denton, Texas native comes to Tempe with two years of eligibility and would likely be a key component in the Sun Devils' trying to rebuild their secondary.
Educational History and University Life
BREAKING- Sun Devils add Michigan State CB Chance Rucker 🔱🆙 pic.twitter.com/CmbZJGeW0t
— 🔱Commit 2 the Fork🔱 (@Commit2theFork) January 17, 2026
Rucker spent three seasons at Michigan State and played 23 games in the Big Ten with nine starts. He had 31 tackles, one interception, and seven pass breakups in the same period. Having been highly rated as a recruit, Rucker was able to get regular experience competing at the highest level. This was the preparation he needed to be playing on the Arizona State team immediately.
Arizona State was going into the offseason with the need to restock its defensive backfield following several losses to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal. Rucker responds to this requirement by offering established Power-Four experience, physicality, and profundity. He is also reintroduced to old Michigan State teammate Jalen Thompson, another of his transfers to the Sun Devils.
Skill Set and Playing Style
Rucker excels in press coverage, using his size, length, and physical playing style to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage and throw off their routes early. He feels at ease in man coverage and demonstrates good instincts in breaking on the ball in man, as well as in press and off-coverage. Moreover, Rucker is large and willing to work in run support due to his size and readiness to do it.
Rucker is ready to compete in meaningful snaps immediately due to his experience, physical tools, and versatility. His entrance brings in a sense of balance and hardiness to an Arizona State defense that is focused on revamping its secondary and increasing its overall level of play into the next season.