One of those former players was Kenny Soares Jr., a three-star linebacker from the 2022 recruiting class. Soares bounced around from Northwestern to NC State and now he’s at Michigan State under the coach who got his college career started. Soares is exactly what Michigan State’s defense has needed. when discussing Kenny Soares Jr. — Emmett Matasovsky (@E_Matasovsky57) August 10, 2026A fierce competitor who has to be reeled in by the coaching staff every now and then, per defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, is exactly what this defense has been missing for years. What to expect from Kenny Soares Jr. in 2026Entering his final season of college football, Soares Jr. is looking to build on his breakout campaign at NC State in 2025.