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Sports

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.

SPORTS

The woman behind MSU football's docuseries "This is State"

Audrey Dayton
September 18, 2025

Erin Cabana, a 22-year-old content creator and lifelong football fan, is the director, editor, and producer behind MSU Athletics' new docuseries This Is State, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Michigan State football program. The series highlights not just players and coaches, but also support staff like student equipment manager Cam Deuel, capturing the full scope of dedication within the team.

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.