College Football Preview 2025: Michigan State Spartans

• Head Coach: Jonathan Smith (second season)
• 2024 Record: 5-7
• Strength of Schedule: 19th
• PFF Projected Win Total: 5.1
• FanDuel Win Total: 5.5

2024 Recap

Jonathan Smith’s first season as Michigan State’s head coach ended with a 5-7 record, the Spartans’ third straight losing campaign. Their 14-22 mark over that span represents the program’s worst three-year stretch since 1980–82. Both sides of the ball struggled in 2024, with the offense and defense each finishing 100th or worse in PFF grade.

There’s reason for optimism on offense with the return of quarterback Aidan Chiles and a solid group of receivers. The defense, however, faces more uncertainty, particularly in the pass rush and secondary.

Biggest Strength: An intriguing passing game

Michigan State boasts a potential NFL quarterback in Aidan Chiles, a top-10 tight end in Jack Velling, and an upgraded receiving corps led by transfers Omari Kelly and Chrishon McCray. The group also returns rising star Nick Marsh, who led the Spartans in receiving yards last season (649).

Biggest Weakness: Pass defense