Thursday, December 11, 2025

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Sports

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.

SPORTS

Spartan sports make strides across the board

Michigan State athletics saw a mix of breakthrough and frustration this week, highlighted by women’s soccer making its first-ever Elite Eight and women’s basketball staying undefeated with dominant wins. While football and hockey both suffered tough losses, cross country, wrestling and men’s tennis delivered strong postseason performances. With key matchups ahead across several sports, the Spartans now turn their focus to finishing the fall season strong.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU jumps to No. 11 in AP Poll before Fort Myers Tip-Off

Michigan State men’s basketball, now ranked No. 11 after wins over Kentucky and Detroit Mercy, is set for the Fort Myers Tip-Off, where it will face East Carolina and No. 16 North Carolina. With ECU entering at No. 244 in KenPom and UNC led by standout freshman Caleb Wilson, the Spartans will return home afterward to host Iowa on Dec. 2 and Duke on Dec. 6.