Ronald McDonald House Charities provides housing and support for families of children with serious illnesses who are receiving care. Each house offers parents a place to stay near hospitals, helping to keep families united during stressful times.

The Panel consisted of TJ Duckett (MSU 2001), Mike Martin (UM 2011), Maverick Hansen (MSU 2024), Braylon Edwards (UM 2004), Jalen Watts-Jackson (MSU 2016), Javon Ringer (MSU 2008) and Bobby Popp (MSU 1958).

Duckett, the emcee of the event, began volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House in 2011, making meals and providing care for families for years. But in 2022, his youngest son was born with half a heart — and it was his family that needed the Ronald McDonald House’s help.

"We went from volunteering, giving and serving, to actually meeting the house, utilizing the house," Duckett said. "You don't know when you’re going to need that life-saving love."

The Spartans currently lead in the competition that will run until the end of the game on Saturday. The teams earn points for both donations and volunteer hours.

Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House of Mid Michigan, Carolyn Hurst, has been with Ronald McDonald House Charities for over 13 years. In organizing the Battle For the Houses, Hurst said she’s glad that athletes from opposite sides of the rivalry can work toward something "bigger than the game."

"To see these alumni athletes come together to help support a colleague of theirs who had a need for Ronald McDonald House is truly something special and remarkable," Hurst said. "It just reminds everybody that we are all the same, and we may root for different schools, but at the same time, all these athletes on the field, they're students, young adults and they're human. And we want people to know that they're great people."

Now 10 years removed from his miracle play that gave MSU the win in 2015, Jalen Watts-Jackson reflected on his time with MSU, saying it was a blessing to play in East Lansing and how important it is that MSU is helping families through this competition.

"What brought me here is it's cool to see how Michigan State can even involve themselves in something like the Ronald McDonald House that changes lives every day and helps so many people out."

Hurst said that families never know when they might be in need of Ronald McDonald House Charities, and these rivalries can affect people far beyond the football field.

"Having events like this and efforts like this engage the community. It spreads the Spartan spirit. It gives families encouragement, knowing that there are people there to take care of them when they don't know what their next day looks like," Hurst said. "We make sure they have a hot meal and a warm bed; everything they would have at their house, we have at ours for them every day for free."