Photo: Nick King ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING, Aug. 27, 2025 ~ With the 2025 college football season kicking off, Michigan State fans are eager to see what year two under Head Coach Jonathan Smith will bring. After a 5–7 finish last season, the Spartans are looking to turn the page and start fresh.
Junior quarterback Aidan Chiles returns with high expectations. He’ll be joined by a mix of young talent and experienced transfers, including sophomore wide receiver Nick Marsh and senior wide receiver Omari Kelly. Friday night’s game against Western Michigan gives MSU a good chance to put its new-look offense to the test and see how the pieces come together.
PODCAST:
Aug. 25, 2025 ~ Anthony Bellino and Lomas Brown talk to Michigan State Football Head Coach Jonathan Smith to preview the 2025 season kicking off at Spartan Stadium against Western Michigan on “SportsWrap.“
(CONTINUED) Western Michigan enters the season with several new faces and a focus on development. The Broncos will face a Michigan State team that has made adjustments on both sides of the ball, particularly on offense. The Spartans will likely use the game to test their rhythm and chemistry, especially with new offensive linemen in the mix.
On defense, Michigan State has made noticeable improvements, especially up front. Junior defensive tackle Alex VanSumeren is expected to be a key piece in a unit that looks stronger and more physical than last year. In the secondary, senior defensive backs Nikai Martinez and Malik Spencer bring experience and leadership. One area still looking for answers is the pass rush, but sophomore transfer David Santiago has shown promise and could help fill that role as he gets more comfortable in the system.
The game kicks off Friday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. at Spartan Stadium. It’s a chance for Michigan State to set the tone for a bounce-back year and build momentum heading into the early part of the season.
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