Sunday, April 5, 2026

Take a peek behind the curtain and test drive the NEW StateNews.com today!

Sports | Football 1081

ICE HOCKEY

MSU hockey stays busy ahead of exhibition before Big Ten play resumes

Audrey Dayton
January 3, 2026

From international competition to tournament titles, there’s been plenty to keep a Spartan hockey fan busy. No. 3 Michigan State hockey earned its second-straight Great Lakes Invitational title, and will return to Munn Ice Arena for an exhibition game, hosting the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) on Sunday, Jan. 4, at 4 p.m. EST. Additionally, four MSU forwards have been competing in the IIHF World Junior Championships, representing their respective countries. 

FOOTBALL

Alabama’s Nick Sheridan announced as MSU offensive coordinator

Tyler Gaylord
January 2, 2026

Michigan State has its answer at offensive coordinator. The Spartans are hiring Alabama co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan, a move that signals a fresh start for an offense that has struggled since its 11-2 season in 2021. With Big Ten experience, deep ties to the state of Michigan and a track record of quarterback development, Sheridan arrives in East Lansing as one of the most significant hires of Pat Fitzgerald’s early tenure.

ICE HOCKEY

Four MSU hockey players competing in World Juniors

Audrey Dayton
December 27, 2025

Four members of the No. 3 Michigan State hockey team are competing in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota, joined by future Spartan defenseman Chase Reid. Freshmen Ryker Lee, Porter Martone and Eric Nilson, along with sophomore Shane Vansaghi, earned spots on final World Juniors rosters, while Reid was named to Team USA. The tournament runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5 in St. Paul and Minneapolis, with all games broadcast on NHL Network.

FOOTBALL

Former MSU All-American Max Bullough expected to return to East Lansing

Tyler Gaylord
December 15, 2025

Max Bullough, a former Michigan State All-American and the eldest member of one of the program’s most storied football families, is expected to return to East Lansing — this time as a coach. After climbing the coaching ranks at Cincinnati, Alabama and Notre Dame, Bullough has been hired as MSU’s linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator on Pat Fitzgerald’s inaugural staff. His return adds both pedigree and familiarity to a rebuilding Spartan program, reconnecting MSU with a name that has shaped its identity for generations.

FOOTBALL

MSU football lands 18 high school recruits for 2026 class

Tyler Gaylord
December 8, 2025

Michigan State’s recruiting class survived a chaotic coaching transition as new head coach Pat Fitzgerald arrived just two days before National Signing Day. Despite the late change, MSU held onto 16 of its 20 committed recruits and added key flips to finish with the No. 46 class. With headliners Collin Campbell and Kayd Coffman on board and four-star Samson Gash waiting until February, the Spartans now turn to the transfer portal to shape next season’s roster.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Fears struggles from field as MSU falls to No. 4 Duke

Lucas Gentilia
December 6, 2025

MSU struggled offensively as starting guards Jeremy Fears Jr. and Kur Teng combined for 0-for-15 from the field, though Fears contributed 13 assists and perfect free-throw shooting. Senior center Carson Cooper led the way with 16 points and 16 rebounds, supported by Jaxon Kohler and Coen Carr, but the Spartans’ scoring woes prevented them from gaining an edge.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU basketball falls to Duke and its late-game zone defense

Kaspar Haehnle
December 6, 2025

Michigan State battled Duke in a back-and-forth game but ultimately fell 66–60 after struggling late on offense and failing to counter Duke’s effective zone defense. Despite strong individual efforts — including Cooper’s standout defense on Cameron Boozer — the Spartans couldn’t maintain their early rhythm, leaving them close, but not close enough.