Thursday, May 21, 2026

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Football

FOOTBALL

Pat Fitzgerald's journey to becoming MSU's 27th football coach

Michigan State's recent head coaching hire Pat Fitzgerald has had an illustrious career of accolades, player highlights and coaching victories. From his playing career to his coaching career to even his termination from the team that he once thought he would never leave, Fitzgerald's journey to MSU is one of unusual circumstances.

FOOTBALL

Jonathan Smith fired after two seasons at MSU

Michigan State fired head coach Jonathan Smith after a 4-8 season marked by an eight-game losing streak, growing fan frustration and public criticism from prominent alumni like Magic Johnson. The move ends Smith’s two-year tenure at 9-15 and launches another coaching search for a program now seeking its fourth head coach since 2019.

FOOTBALL

MSU football survives 38-28 victory over Maryland in season-finale

Michigan State beat Maryland 38–28 in a chaotic, back-and-forth game highlighted by Alante Brown’s 92-yard kickoff-return touchdown and Maryland freshman QB Malik Washington’s huge passing performance. But when Maryland had a chance to win late, MSU’s defense dominated, delivering a decisive sack on fourth down to seal the Spartans’ victory.

FOOTBALL

Fourth quarter collapse extends MSU losing streak to eight

Michigan State looked like it had finally turned a corner after a dominant third quarter, but a familiar fourth-quarter collapse erased a 10-point lead and handed Iowa a 20-17 win on a last-second field goal. The loss adds another chapter to a season defined by late-game failures, as the Spartans once again showed flashes of promise before unraveling when it mattered most.

FOOTBALL

MSU offensive line must improve to protect its future

Michigan State football and its offensive line has been anything but productive this season. It's been inefficient and inconsistent, ranks at the bottom of the FBS statically and has lost MSU game after game. In order for MSU to have a future, the offensive line must protect it.

FOOTBALL

MSU’s losing streak extends to seven as offense struggles to find consistency

Michigan State opened its final home game with a 57-yard jolt of energy, but the spark didn’t last. Behind an inconsistent offense, protection issues and a late collapse, the Spartans fell 28-10 to Penn State, ending their bowl hopes for the fourth straight season. Elijah Tau-Tolliver’s breakout performance kept MSU afloat, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a dominant Nittany Lion front and a inefficiency to convert on third down.

FOOTBALL

MSU's defense fades in 28-10 loss to Penn State

In Michigan States 28-10 loss to Penn State, its defense clawed and fought play after play. For three quarters it did this, playing with motivation and a willingness to get off the field. But when the fourth quarter began, these traits disappeared, and Penn State and its offense took advantage.

FOOTBALL

How MSU resists complete derailment amid six-game losing streak

Despite a six-game losing streak, Michigan State football continues to compete at a high level, showing resilience and effort in nearly every game. From close losses against rivals Michigan and Minnesota to leadership in the locker room, the Spartans remain committed, proving they can fight through adversity while keeping their season alive.

FOOTBALL

Levy faces backlash over Spartan Stadium concessions

Michigan State University partnered with Levy to manage concessions at athletic venues starting this season, but the rollout drew widespread fan criticism. Surveys and feedback described long lines, poor food quality, and overpriced options, prompting calls for improvement and healthier choices.

FOOTBALL

MSU seniors endure four years of football frustration

When the class of 2026 arrived on campus four years ago, they expected a good football team. Instead, what they got was defeat. Four grim years of it. Losing records and no bowl game experiences and no victories over rival Michigan. For some seniors, it's frustrating. For others, it's unbelievable.

FOOTBALL

Alessio Milivojevic shines in first start, MSU falls to Minnesota 23-20

Redshirt freshman quarterback Alessio Milivojevic delivered a breakout performance in his first career start, throwing for 301 yards and a touchdown to help Michigan State push Minnesota to overtime. Despite explosive second-half plays and a revived offense, the Spartans fell 23-20 on the road, extending their losing streak to six games as they enter a crucial bye week before facing Penn State.

FOOTBALL

Alessio Milivojevic’s play raises questions about QB battle

Despite seeing the field only in late-game situations, redshirt freshman quarterback Alessio Milivojevic has quietly made the most of his limited snaps. With four straight scoring drives to close games, his steady production is starting to turn heads — and spark conversation about whether Michigan State could soon have a quarterback battle on its hands.

FOOTBALL

Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi brings intensity to MSU sidelines

With Michigan State football on a five game losing streak, it's searching for changes and answers. In the Spartans 31-20 loss to Michigan, it may have found a change that will lead to answers: defensive coordinator Joe Rossi moving from the coaches booth to the sideline. Against Minnesota this Saturday, Rossi will remain on the MSU sidelines to ignite intensity and know-how in his Spartan defense.