Michigan State Spartans Football: Roster, Season Overview, and Future Outlook
The Michigan State Spartans football program is a storied part of the university's athletic tradition. This article delves into the team's roster, provides an overview of the recent 2025 season, and examines the program's trajectory.
The 2025 Roster: A Glimpse at the Spartans' Talent Pool
The Michigan State Spartans football team boasts a diverse roster of talented athletes. Here's a look at some of the players who were part of the active roster:
- Ah You, Leonard: A freshman linebacker from Laie, HI.
- Ahmetbasic, Tarik: A redshirt sophomore placekicker from Clinton Township, MI.
- Baker, Charlie: A redshirt freshman tight end from East Lansing, MI.
- Beeler, Mikeshun: A redshirt freshman defensive tackle from Chicago, IL.
- Brinson IV, Andrew: A sophomore cornerback from Tampa, FL.
- Burnett, Kekai: A redshirt freshman defensive end from Honolulu, HI.
- Burt, NiJhay: A senior/transfer cornerback from Munhall, PA.
- Carridine, Atticus: A redshirt sophomore wide receiver from Ypsilanti, MI.
- Clarizio, Jace: A freshman running back from East Lansing, MI.
- Collier, Braylon: A freshman wide receiver from Sandusky, OH.
- Coyne, Jay: A redshirt junior fullback from New York, NY.
- Davis, Dorian: A redshirt junior cornerback from Detroit, MI.
- DeJager, Luke: A redshirt freshman defensive end from Grand Rapids, MI.
- Dennis, Andrew: A redshirt freshman/transfer offensive guard from Mt. Pleasant, MI.
- Eaton, Joshua: A redshirt senior/transfer cornerback from Houston, TX.
- Eckley, Ryan: A redshirt junior punter from Lithia, FL.
- Edwards, Deuce: A freshman defensive back from Richmond, VA.
- Gash, Caleb: A redshirt sophomore defensive back from South Lyon, MI.
- Gist, Zion: A freshman running back from Frankfort, IL.
- Grose, Aveon: A redshirt junior/transfer safety from Mansfield, OH.
- Gulbin, Matt: A redshirt senior/transfer center from Wilton, CT.
- Hall, Jordan: A junior linebacker from Fredericksburg, VA.
- Hannan, Leo: A freshman quarterback from Long Beach, CA.
- Hardy, Nick: A freshman wide receiver from Birmingham, MI.
- Johnson, Antonio: A freshman offensive lineman from Detroit, MI.
- Johnson, Rakeem: A redshirt freshman offensive guard/offensive tackle from Boise, ID.
- Jones Jr., Darrin: A freshman running back from Lake Orion, MI.
- Kelly, Omari: A senior/transfer wide receiver from Trussville, AL.
- Lafaele, Anelu: A redshirt freshman/transfer defensive end from Kalihi, HI.
- Malone, DiMari: A freshman linebacker from Macomb Township, MI.
- Martinez, Nikai: A senior/transfer safety from Apopka, FL.
- McCaig, Jaxon: A redshirt freshman fullback from Plymouth, MI.
- McCray, Chrishon: A redshirt junior/transfer wide receiver from Avon, IN.
- Milivojevic, Alessio: A redshirt freshman quarterback from Naperville, IL.
- Millikin, David: A redshirt junior linebacker from Grayling, MI.
- Moore, Conner: A redshirt junior/transfer offensive tackle from Lake Millbury, OH.
- Nelson, Ben: A redshirt junior defensive tackle from Holland, MI.
- Nichols, Drew: A freshman offensive lineman from Murrieta, CA.
- Parachek, Brennan: A junior tight end from Dexter, MI.
- Pinnace III, Anthony: A redshirt junior/transfer cornerback from Ypsilanti, MI.
- Piwowarczyk, Chris: A redshirt freshman linebacker from Fenton, MI.
- Pretzlaff, Brady: A redshirt freshman linebacker from Gaylord, MI.
- Rios, Kai: A redshirt junior/transfer tight end from Rock Island, IL.
- Roberts, Ben: A redshirt junior/transfer defensive tackle from East Salt Lake City, UT.
- Savoury, Jayden: A freshman tight end from Canton, MI.
- Simmons, Derrick: A freshman defensive tackle from Indianapolis, IN.
- Smith, Isaac: A redshirt senior/transfer outside linebacker from Wagoner, OK.
- Spencer, Malik: A senior safety from Buford, GA.
- Taplin, Charles: A freshman wide receiver from Red Oak, TX.
- Thrush, Cal: A freshman defensive end from Upper Arlington, OH.
- Tullis, Brandon: A sophomore running back from Dallas, TX.
- Velling, Jack: A senior/transfer tight end from Seattle, WA.
- White, DeJae: A freshman linebacker from Pontiac, MI.
- Williams, Bryson: A freshman running back from Canton, MI.
- Williams, Keshawn: A redshirt freshman defensive back from Murfreesboro, TN.
- Wilson, Jaxson: A redshirt sophomore tight end from Hartland, MI.
- Yanachik, Jack: A redshirt sophomore wide receiver from Warren, MI.
- Young, Evan: A freshman defensive back from Lufkin, TX.
- Young, Rustin: A redshirt freshman offensive tackle from St. Johns, MI.
The 2025 Season: A Year in Review
The 2025 season saw the Michigan State Spartans, under the leadership of second-year head coach Jonathan Smith, compete in the Big Ten Conference. The Spartans played their home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.
Early Success and Momentum
The Spartans started the season strong, achieving back-to-back 3-0 starts for the first time since 2007 after defeating Youngstown State on September 3. This early success generated excitement and optimism among fans.
Key Game Moments and Results
- Iowa vs. Michigan State: In a game against Iowa on November 22, 2025, the Hawkeyes emerged victorious with a score of 20-17. Key moments included a 62-yard punt return by Iowa's Kaden Wetjen, a 45-yard pass from Alessio Milivojevic to Chrishon McCray, and a game-winning field goal by Iowa's Drew Stevens.
- Michigan vs. Michigan State: Several touchdowns were scored by both teams including runs by Bryce Underwood and Justice Haynes for Michigan, and Aidan Chiles and Brandon Tullis for Michigan State. Alessio Milivojevic threw a touchdown pass to Michael Masunas late in the game.
- MSU vs. Maryland: Michigan State secured a 38-28 victory over Maryland in the season finale, providing a positive note to end the season.
Coaching Change
Despite the season's efforts, Michigan State decided to part ways with Jonathan Smith on November 30, 2025. This decision led to speculation and discussion about potential replacements and the future direction of the program.
Read also: History of the Block 'M'
Potential Coaching Candidates
Following the firing of Jonathan Smith, several names emerged as potential candidates for the head coaching position.
Schedule
The 2025 Michigan State football schedule included a home game against Michigan. It was noted that the schedule did not include games against Ohio State or Oregon.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to Michigan Colleges
Read also: Paying for Michigan Tech as an Out-of-State Student
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