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Sports | Football

FOOTBALL

Lack of consistency finally leads to complete MSU meltdown

Tyler Gaylord
October 11, 2025

Michigan State’s promising 3-0 start has unraveled after a 38-13 homecoming loss to UCLA dropped the Spartans to 3-3 and intensified pressure on head coach Jonathan Smith. Following two competitive defeats that showed signs of progress, MSU collapsed against the Bruins in front of a restless home crowd. Questionable play-calling, defensive breakdowns and offensive inconsistency fueled the blowout, leaving fans frustrated and Smith searching for answers as the team prepares for a critical matchup at No. 7 Indiana.

FOOTBALL

MSU receives decommitment from four-star wide receiver Tyren Wortham

Tyler Gaylord
October 6, 2025

Four-star wide receiver Tyren Wortham has decommitted from Michigan State, reopening his recruitment just days after the Spartans’ 38-27 loss to Nebraska. Wortham, the No. 40 receiver in the 2026 class and MSU’s top commit, had been verbally committed since June. His decision highlights growing recruiting concerns amid the team’s recent struggles, as other programs pursue top targets like linebacker Braylon Hodge. In today’s college football landscape, winning remains the key to retaining talent—something MSU hopes to get back to soon.

FOOTBALL

Spartans gear up for test against Nebraska’s rising star quarterback

Kaspar Haehnle
October 2, 2025

In the sea of red where the sold out Nebraska football crowd promises stimulating energy, the Spartans take on a sophomore quarterback by the name of Dylan Raiola, a confident and NFL-caliber player that could give MSU some fits defensively. To stop Raiola and his Cornhusker squad, the Spartans must play better defense, which means tackle, generate pressure, communicate, cover, play attack coverage, win one-on-one’s and have success in the small details..

FOOTBALL

Redshirt freshman Rustin Young fills key role on MSU offensive line

Tyler Gaylord
October 1, 2025

When redshirt sophomore Stanton Ramil left Michigan State’s Sept. 20 matchup against USC with an injury, redshirt freshman Rustin Young was thrust into the spotlight. The little-known offensive lineman played 51 of 60 snaps, more than his entire career to that point, and held his own against a Trojan pass rush averaging nearly five sacks per game. Once a four-star recruit from Hawaii who followed head coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State, Young now finds himself in line for a bigger role as the Spartans battle mounting injuries on the offensive line. With Nebraska’s less disruptive pass rush on deck, Saturday could mark Young’s first career start — and an opportunity to solidify himself as a key piece of MSU’s future.

FOOTBALL

The blueprint behind Aidan Chiles’ transformation from 2024 to 2025

Tyler Gaylord
September 25, 2025

Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles entered 2025 with questions swirling after an up-and-down debut season in East Lansing. A year ago, he threw 11 interceptions and struggled with consistency, but through four games this fall he has led the Spartans to a 3-1 start with 868 yards passing, nine touchdowns and just one interception. Beyond the stat sheet, Chiles’ improved pocket presence and decision-making have transformed MSU’s offense, which has nearly doubled its scoring output from 2024. With his playmaking instincts intact and his efficiency on the rise, Chiles is emerging as the leader of a unit poised for more growth as Big Ten play continues.

FOOTBALL

USC’s dominance on third down drives Spartans to loss

Tyler Gaylord
September 21, 2025

Michigan State dropped its first Big Ten matchup against USC, 45-31, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Spartans pulled within one score early in the fourth quarter but couldn’t slow the Trojans’ offense, which converted 8 of 11 third downs and one fourth down to extend drives. Missed defensive stops and injuries on linebackers loomed large, though quarterback Aidan Chiles and the MSU offense showed promise against one of the nation's top offenses.

FOOTBALL

Injuries limit MSU’s abilities in 45-31 loss to No. 25 USC

Kaspar Haehnle
September 21, 2025

Michigan State football suffered a high-scoring 31-45 loss to USC in its Big Ten home opener, marking back-to-back defeats and its first home loss of the season. Despite key injuries and the ejection of defensive leader Jordan Hall for targeting, the Spartans remained competitive but ultimately couldn’t overcome the Trojans’ late offensive surge.

FOOTBALL

Marsh headlines MSU injury concerns vs. No. 25 USC

Tyler Gaylord
September 18, 2025

Michigan State faces a daunting road test against No. 25 USC on Saturday, with an 11 p.m. EST kickoff marking its first road and ranked opponent of the season. The Spartans enter shorthanded, as key injuries at wide receiver, running back, and offensive line threaten to test the team’s depth. While veterans and emerging playmakers aim to fill the void, the loss of redshirt junior lineman Luka Vincic for the season and the uncertain status of skill players like Nick Marsh and Makhi Frazier loom large. USC, also navigating injuries, presents one of the nation’s most explosive offenses, putting pressure on MSU to adapt quickly in its Big Ten opener.

FOOTBALL

MSU football seeks chance at upset against No. 25 USC

Kaspar Haehnle
September 18, 2025

In MSU's Big Ten season opener, the Spartans fly 2000 miles to take on No. 25 USC after dark. This game provides headlines - duo of electric quarterbacks, the two historic programs, a pair of undefeated teams battling in a historic venue - but all that really matters to MSU is the chance at a program-defining victory against a top 25 team.

FOOTBALL

Michigan State football survives upset scare, beating Youngstown State 41-24

Tyler Gaylord
September 13, 2025

Michigan State overcame an early score from Youngstown State to secure a 41-24 win Saturday at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans leaned on quarterback Aidan Chiles and a deep receiving corps to pull away, but the victory was tempered by injuries to key players, including Nick Marsh and Makhi Frazier. MSU will look to regroup before a primetime road matchup against Southern California.

FOOTBALL

Alante Brown willing to step up wherever Spartans need him

Tyler Gaylord
September 11, 2025

Alante Brown’s journey to Michigan State has been anything but conventional. After initially committing to MSU in 2019, reclassing and spending time at Nebraska, Brown finally arrived in East Lansing in 2023. Injuries and a deep receiver room have kept him from a starting role, but he has embraced a new impact on special teams as a kick returner and gunner. Brown’s resilience and team-first mentality have shaped a six-year college football journey defined by adaptability, perseverance, and an unwavering pursuit of his NFL dreams.

FOOTBALL

Michigan State football claims multiple Big Ten weekly awards after Week 2 victory

Tyler Gaylord
September 8, 2025

Michigan State secured a thrilling 42-40 double-overtime victory over Boston College, highlighted by standout performances from junior quarterback Aidan Chiles and junior linebacker Jordan Hall. Both players earned Big Ten weekly honors, with Chiles named Co-Offensive Player of the Week and Hall earning Defensive Player of the Week. Chiles accounted for five touchdowns and 270 yards total, including a game-tying rushing touchdown and throwing the game-winning 2-point conversion, while Hall recorded a career-high 15 tackles and a key forced fumble, helping the defense hold Boston College to just two field goals in the second half. Their performances, marked by skill, toughness, and leadership, exemplify why both serve as team captains in a player-led locker room. The Spartans now turn their attention to Saturday’s home matchup against Youngstown State, aiming to start 3-0 for the second consecutive season.

FOOTBALL

Aidan Chiles leads MSU past Boston College in overtime classic

Tyler Gaylord
September 7, 2025

Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles battled through a late injury to lead the Spartans to a 42-40 double-overtime win over Boston College. Chiles tied the game in double overtime with a rushing touchdown, then threw the game-winning two-point conversion to Omari Kelly. He finished with 231 passing yards and four touchdown passes, plus 39 rushing yards and the crucial score on the ground. His resilience and leadership highlighted a night where MSU’s offense showed maturity and determination, setting the tone for the rest of the season.