Mr. Bay City: Alex VanSumeren
By: Natalie Miller, USC Football Communications Student Assistant
9/2/2026
The smoky scent of barbecue and the humming of trains passing by perfectly describes one of the most popular burger joints in Bay City, Michigan.
Through the veil of smoke, one could find senior defensive tackle Alex VanSumeren relaxing there at the end of his ideal day. Meats and More is a “shack by the tracks”, and it’s the only way to end a good day in Bay City.
“It’s the best burger you will ever have,” he passionately explained.
Of course, the perfect ending to his ideal day wouldn’t be complete without his family and friends there to share in what he promises is a life-changing meal. And it’s those friends and family that he strives to make proud every day.
“I try to do everything I can to make them proud,” VanSumeren explained. “Not necessarily because of the success itself, but because of the process and work ethic that leads to it.”
VanSumeren comes from a family of hardworking individuals. His recently retired parents served as an alternative high school principal and a police officer, while his older brother, Ben, currently plays in the NFL.
“I'm from a blue-collar town where all of my buddies work real hard jobs,” he said. “What they are doing is hard; it puts things into perspective for me.”
He doesn't have to look far to find an example.
“My cousin Seth works in construction,” he explained. “He gets up at 3 a.m. and gets home at 8 p.m.”
That same blue-collar work ethic followed VanSumeren to Michigan State where he began his college career alongside his older brother, Ben. Now with the Kansas City Chiefs, Ben previously played for the Philadelphia Eagles and was part of their Super Bowl LIX championship team in 2025.
“He’s someone I look up to in every way,” VanSumeren said. “He showed me how to work hard for my goals.”
The VanSumeren brothers had the opportunity to play one season together at Michigan State. On his first collegiate snap, VanSumeren made a tackle alongside his brother. The moment was so meaningful that their mother has a photo of it hanging on her wall.
In 2023, VanSumeren suffered a season-ending injury just one week before his season opener, giving him time to reflect on the values his family had instilled in him.
VanSumeren bounced back with more physicality and intensity than ever, starting in 24 games and tallying 68 tackles, including 4.5 for loss of 14 yards (with 3 sacks) in the following two seasons in 2024 and 2025.
“Being able to lean on my mindset, my faith and the people who inspire me helped me through that time,” he said.
There’s a profound intensity about VanSumeren.
For some athletes, intensity comes naturally. For VanSumeren, it’s become a skill, one that he has learned to summon when the moment demands. Sometimes it takes an injury, a difficult experience or powerful memory to bring everything back to focus. He has learned to harness those moments rather than be defined by them.
“It comes down to the illusion of choice,” he explained. “If you want to be great, there is no choice; you simply work hard and get it done.”
"There's a seriousness and an intensity about this guy that honestly meshes well with some of the other big personalities that we have in the defensive line room,” said head coach Lincoln Riley. “He leads that group, and it's been very healthy.”
VanSumeren views football as not just a physical game, but a test of discipline and mental toughness.
“I don’t get tired; I can’t afford to get tired,” he said with conviction. “I love this game, I love competing and I love being physical.”
His discipline, leadership and resilience have already made an impression on the USC Football program as he was selected to represent the Trojans at Big Ten Media Day in Chicago over the summer and was voted by his teammates a season-long team captain.
VanSumeren’s mindset is not something that he left behind in Michigan. If anything, it is the biggest piece of home that he brought with him.
Bay City is more than just a hometown to VanSumeren. It’s where he learned the value of hard work, where he watched those that inspired him put in long hours without complaint and where his loved ones continue to keep him grounded.
At home, he is known as Mr. Bay City.
The nickname followed him from his hometown to Michigan State as a reflection of his connection to the people and city that shaped him. Now, as he begins his next chapter with the Trojans, he hopes the nickname sticks with him in Los Angeles as well.
“I love my hometown and being from there keeps me motivated,” he said. “My nickname hasn’t followed me here yet though.”
It may not take long.
As VanSumeren leads the defense on the field of the Coliseum, those watching in the stands will begin to see what those in Bay City have witnessed for years: a relentless work ethic and an intense commitment to the game.
“The Trojan Family doesn’t know yet, but they will,” he said.
