The Spartans will now be represented by two rookies in Baltimore. Not only did the Ravens draft punter Ryan Eckley in the sixth round, but they also signed Michigan State alum running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver as an undrafted free agent.
Tau-Tolliver came on strong at the end of the season, finishing with 336 yards over the final four games—an average of 84 yards per game. He added one touchdown during that stretch while also showcasing his hands, hauling in 12 receptions for 95 yards.
After transferring to Michigan State for his senior season, things looked a bit rough early on. With a limited window to prove himself, Tau-Tolliver earned just 26 carries through the first eight games.
However, with only four games remaining, former head coach Jonathan Smith was forced to elevate Tau-Tolliver into a starting role after lead rusher Makhi Frazier went down with an injury.
Once Tau-Tolliver took over as the starter, there was no looking back.
He helped Michigan State secure its first and only conference win of the season in the finale against Maryland, totaling 105 yards, including 95 on the ground. Even after Frazier returned, Tau-Tolliver retained the starting job, at times looking dominant while flashing impressive speed in the open field.
Ravens Flock came calling 🐦⬛Congrats TT! pic.twitter.com/jqJ7eW67zA
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) April 26, 2026
Before transferring to Michigan State, Tau-Tolliver played at Sacramento State. In 2021, he was redshirted and logged just three carries.
In 2022, as a redshirt freshman, he carried the ball 24 times for 192 yards. By 2023, his redshirt sophomore season, things began to open up. Tau-Tolliver found the end zone for the first time in his collegiate career, scoring seven rushing touchdowns while totaling 384 yards on 63 carries.
Tau-Tolliver elevated his game in his final year at Sacramento State, rushing 184 times for 958 yards and seven touchdowns. He recorded five games with 100 or more rushing yards. But it wasn’t just his production on the ground—he also became a reliable receiving option, catching 38 passes for 317 yards and two additional touchdowns. In one standout performance, he set the Sacramento State program record for most receptions in a game by a running back with 11.
Now, Tau-Tolliver heads to Baltimore, where he will look to do everything he can to earn a roster spot—or, at the very least, a place on the practice squad. It won’t be easy.
The Ravens already boast one of the deepest running back rooms in the NFL, with Derrick Henry leading the way. Behind him are Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali. Further down the depth chart sits fifth-round draft pick Adam Randall, along with fellow undrafted free agent Dontae McMillian. Luckily the Ravens are without one of the scariest backups in Keaton Mitchell who just signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in the offseason.
The odds are undoubtedly stacked against Tau-Tolliver—but that’s nothing new.
From Sacramento to East Lansing and now to Baltimore, he has consistently had to earn every opportunity. With blazing speed and reliable hands, Tau-Tolliver possesses two traits that can catch the attention of any NFL coach.