After a lackluster debut season for Michigan State Football Head Coach Jonathan Smith, the Spartans are looking for improvement in year two.
The Spartans finished with a 5-7 record overall and 3-7 in the Big Ten conference during the 2024 season. It was the first look at a new Spartans roster that featured only a few bright spots.
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Aidan Chiles’ decision-making
One of the biggest changes for the 2024 Spartans was at the quarterback position. Junior quarterback Aidan Chiles transferred from Oregon State where Smith recruited and coached Chiles during his freshman year.
In his first season as a Spartan, Chiles completed 59 percent of his passes (192-of-323) for 2,415 yards (201.3 ypg), 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
He flashed a powerful throwing arm and elite playmaking ability but it was inconsistent amid his turnover struggles. Chiles’ 11 interceptions are tied for the most in the conference and he also contributed 5 fumbles.
Chiles certainly has the physical potential to be a centerpiece for a high-level Spartans offense but he will have to show development in the mental aspects of the quarterback position.
Improvement in Chiles’ decision-making and field awareness will help propel a Spartans offense that finished 15th in the conference in points per game last season.
Battle in the trenches
One area that can help a quarterback improve is the offensive line. The Spartans offensive line was ranked 15th in the Big Ten and 123rd nationally.
Smith and his staff identified the poor offensive line as a major reason for the team’s struggles, particularly in protecting Chiles and creating running lanes.
Addressing the issue, the Spartans recently secured the commitments of 4-star offensive tackle Collin Campbell and three-star offensive tackle Eli Bickel for the 2026 recruiting class.
The 2026 recruiting class consists of 11 confirmed commitments including tight end Eddie Whiting, quarterback Kayd Coffman, tight end Joey Caudill, linebacker Braylon Hodge, defensive back KJ Deriso, safety Brayden Thomas, defensive back Eliyjah Caldwell-Hardy, defensive lineman Christopher Knauls, edge rusher Cory House and offensive linemen Campbell and Bickel.
The Spartans have also rounded out their roster with several players via transfer portal.
Revamped running back room
Expected to lead the running back room is senior transfer from Sacramento State Elijah Tau-Tolliver. Tau-Tolliver is a well-rounded back who can run past or through defenders and also catch the ball out of the backfield.
In 2024, Tau-Tolliver rushed for 958 yards on 184 attempts (5.2avg) and seven touchdowns. He also caught 38 passes for 317 yards and two touchdowns.
The depth chart is rounded out by several young prospects including returning backs Makhi Frazier and Brandon Tullis along with new signings Jace Clarizio and Zion Gist.
Defensive playmaker to emerge
In 2024, MSU’s defense struggled, allowing an average of 26.1 points (15th in Big Ten) and 332 yards per game (10th in Big Ten).
Veteran starters are returning including defensive linemen Quindarius Dunnigan and Alex VanSumeren. Transfers have been added to the mix but the Spartans’ defense is still missing a reliable playmaker.
The defense consists of solid players but nobody established themselves as a star on defense last season. One or two stars who can make key plays in big moments must emerge for the Spartans defense to improve along with its new additions.
Establish team culture
Team culture explains a team’s collective personality including shared values, goals, behaviors and ways of working within a team.
Culture and identity are established over the course of a coach’s regime, so I expect Smith’s ideology of camaraderie and player development to start showing up on the field this year. The improved team chemistry and renewed identity can help MSU play a certain brand of football that remains consistent whether they win or lose.
Here’s the full 2025 schedule:
- Aug. 29: vs. Western Michigan -- 7 p.m. on FS1
- Sept. 6: vs. Boston College -- 7:30 p.m. on NBC
- Sept. 13: vs. Youngstown State -- 3:30 p.m. on BTN
- Sept. 20: at USC
- Oct. 4: at Nebraska -- noon, 3:30 p.m., or 4 p.m.
- Oct. 11 (homecoming): vs. UCLA -- 12 p.m.
- Oct. 18: at Indiana -- noon, 3:30 p.m., or 4 p.m.
- Oct. 25: vs. Michigan
- Nov. 1: at Minnesota
- Nov. 15: vs. Penn State
- Nov. 22: at Iowa
- Nov. 29 (at Ford Field): vs. Maryland