Michigan State freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh (6) celebrates with sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) after scoring a touchdown at the homecoming game against the University of Iowa at Spartan Stadium on Oct. 19, 2024. The Spartans took victory over the Hawkeyes with a score of 32-20.
Spartan Stadium is ready to tremble under the weight of 75,000 Spartan fans on Friday night, but fans question whether or not MSU football will be able to hold its own weight in a crucial second year under head coach Jonathan Smith and junior quarterback Aidan Chiles.
On Aug. 29, the Spartans will take on the Western Michigan Broncos to kick off their 2025 campaign.
MSU fell short of bowl eligibility last season, finishing 5-7, but with transfer additions and a wealth of returners, 2025 could offer a step in the right direction.
“There's excitement and a buzz, all of that with school starting and starting at home,” Smith said at his weekly press conference. “There are similarities there [to last year]. I do think going into year two, you're familiar with the feeling. We’re obviously more familiar with the current team than we were, just because we've had more time with them.”
Western Michigan flocked to the transfer portal following a 6-7 season in 2024, now featuring a revamped starting lineup. MSU is 8-0 against MAC opponents in the last 10 years and 3-0 against the Broncos.
The Big Ten lost 25 times to MAC opponents between 1990 and 2010. Since 2021 and the boom of the transfer portal, NIL and revenue sharing, the Big Ten has lost just twice to teams from the mid-major conference.
Smith said his team is dialed in for the season premiere, without looking ahead to future opponents.
"These guys are so excited to play,” Smith said. “We do talk about respect, and every time we get to line up, we’re paying our respects to whoever we're playing. How we do that is through our preparation ... I think there's maturity on this team, and just watching them practice today, there are no signs of looking forward.”
Western Michigan faced two Big Ten teams last season: Wisconsin and Ohio State. The Broncos lost 28-14 and 56-0, respectively.
“I just know our guys [are confident] in their prep for Western Michigan. This is our first opportunity,” Smith said. “We're only guaranteed 12 of those. Obviously, we want to be playing more than 12, but we're only guaranteed 12. That's been our mindset.”
The MSU football game day experience underwent a remodel over the summer months. The Munn Tailgate on Munn Field, which includes the 517 Beer Garden at Meijer Fan Fest, has been introduced as a pregame destination with food, drinks and entertainment. In addition, Spartan Stadium’s three video boards and LED ribbons have been replaced with higher resolution displays and an upgraded replay system.
“I’m counting on a record-sized student section this coming Friday to add to our energy and create a home-field advantage,” Smith said. “So, a lot is going on to add to the excitement of this particular game and this season.”
MSU vs. Western Michigan will kick off at 7:00 p.m. and air on FS1.
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