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There's a new era at Michigan State football. Jonathan Smith is long gone. Pat Fitzgerald has been handling the reins all year. There's some optimism for the future, but I'm sensing a lot of caution from MSU fans, who have endured several disappointing seasons in a row. I think Spartan fans are safe to start feeling optimistic, but there are some questions that need to be answered by this team in 2026.
We outlined five of those questions below:
MSU, formerly one of the big dogs of the Big Ten, hasn't had a winning record since 2021. As I said above, I think fans have some apprehension about letting themselves get too excited about the new Pat Fitzgerald Spartans. After some hype coming in, the Jonathan Smith era ended in a pathetic 4-8 showing before he was fired.
The question is: should MSU fans expect a rebuilding year? Will success be just trying to claw their way to a winning record? Or, will this program be in the mix for a Big Ten title? That last one seems a little far-fetched, but knowing Pat Fitzgerald, I'm sure that's his goal even in year one.
Under Mark Dantonio, Michigan State hung its hat on the defensive side of the ball. That feels like a distant memory at this point, as it's been quite some time since we've seen an elite defense in East Lansing. Pat Fitzgerald is certainly known as a defensive-minded coach, so I expect that to change rapidly.
Last year, MSU was No. 86 in the country in total sacks. If they want to improve on that side of the ball, they will need to generate more pressure. But where will that come from? Anelu Lafaele is the big name to monitor there. But don't sleep on transfers like Keahnist Thompson and Aidan Boehle to provide some pressure on the edge.
Michigan State's three leading receivers from 2025 are no longer on the team. Who will step up and take over that room? The smart money is on Chrishon McCray. The former Kent State wideout was MSU's fourth leading receiver last year. However, at 5'10", he doesn't bring the usual size of a number one option. Fred Moore, the transfer from Michigan, is another option, but he hasn't been featured in an offense in his collegiate career, and Rodney Bullard will return for another year.
My hot take? Keep an eye out for Braylon Collier. The talented freshman could break out in year one.
There was a lot of negatives in the Jonathan Smith era, but perhaps none were worse than the offensive line play in those two years. Despite having a few talented guys on the roster like Matt Gulbin and Conner Moore, the Spartans struggled to move defenders off the line of scrimmage, which made life very difficult for their offense.
For the first time in years, MSU's offensive line actually has some hype, thanks to transfers like Ben Murawski and Trent Fraley. Will that unit finally be able to handle business?
It's hard to compete as a college freshman. However, MSU is in a new era, and there will be plenty of opportunities for playing time. Will any freshmen get on the field this year? Not to overdo the hype, but Braylon Collier is the smart bet here. The redshirt freshman is supremely talented and could break out for the Spartans. MSU has another talented freshman wide receiver in Samson Gash who could play from day one. Also noteworthy here are safety Brayden Thomas and tight end Eddie Whiting. Finally, KJ Deriso, the cornerback from Georgia, could find a role early.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Andrew Brewster on Twitter @IAmBrewster.
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Five burning questions for Michigan State football in 2026
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We outlined five of those questions below:
1. Is this a gap year? Or is MSU ready to compete?
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MSU, formerly one of the big dogs of the Big Ten, hasn't had a winning record since 2021. As I said above, I think fans have some apprehension about letting themselves get too excited about the new Pat Fitzgerald Spartans. After some hype coming in, the Jonathan Smith era ended in a pathetic 4-8 showing before he was fired.
The question is: should MSU fans expect a rebuilding year? Will success be just trying to claw their way to a winning record? Or, will this program be in the mix for a Big Ten title? That last one seems a little far-fetched, but knowing Pat Fitzgerald, I'm sure that's his goal even in year one.
2. Where will the sack production come from?
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Under Mark Dantonio, Michigan State hung its hat on the defensive side of the ball. That feels like a distant memory at this point, as it's been quite some time since we've seen an elite defense in East Lansing. Pat Fitzgerald is certainly known as a defensive-minded coach, so I expect that to change rapidly.
Last year, MSU was No. 86 in the country in total sacks. If they want to improve on that side of the ball, they will need to generate more pressure. But where will that come from? Anelu Lafaele is the big name to monitor there. But don't sleep on transfers like Keahnist Thompson and Aidan Boehle to provide some pressure on the edge.
3. Who will be the Spartans' leading receiver?
You must be registered for see images
Michigan State's three leading receivers from 2025 are no longer on the team. Who will step up and take over that room? The smart money is on Chrishon McCray. The former Kent State wideout was MSU's fourth leading receiver last year. However, at 5'10", he doesn't bring the usual size of a number one option. Fred Moore, the transfer from Michigan, is another option, but he hasn't been featured in an offense in his collegiate career, and Rodney Bullard will return for another year.
My hot take? Keep an eye out for Braylon Collier. The talented freshman could break out in year one.
4. Will the offensive line play be improved?
You must be registered for see images attach
There was a lot of negatives in the Jonathan Smith era, but perhaps none were worse than the offensive line play in those two years. Despite having a few talented guys on the roster like Matt Gulbin and Conner Moore, the Spartans struggled to move defenders off the line of scrimmage, which made life very difficult for their offense.
For the first time in years, MSU's offensive line actually has some hype, thanks to transfers like Ben Murawski and Trent Fraley. Will that unit finally be able to handle business?
5. Will any freshmen contribute this year?
You must be registered for see images attach
It's hard to compete as a college freshman. However, MSU is in a new era, and there will be plenty of opportunities for playing time. Will any freshmen get on the field this year? Not to overdo the hype, but Braylon Collier is the smart bet here. The redshirt freshman is supremely talented and could break out for the Spartans. MSU has another talented freshman wide receiver in Samson Gash who could play from day one. Also noteworthy here are safety Brayden Thomas and tight end Eddie Whiting. Finally, KJ Deriso, the cornerback from Georgia, could find a role early.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Andrew Brewster on Twitter @IAmBrewster.
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Five burning questions for Michigan State football in 2026
Continue reading...
