The Stage Is Set for a Big Ten Clash
Northwestern will meet Michigan State on October 17 in a matchup that carries extra intrigue because the Spartans are bringing a former Northwestern head coach back into the fold.
Michigan State finished the 2025 season with a 4‑8 record, a campaign that included an eight‑game skid in Big Ten play and left the program searching for a spark.
Pat Fitzgerald, who once led the Wildcats to a national championship, now directs the Spartans. His return to the Big Ten adds a narrative layer that fans are eager to follow.
A Revamped Offensive Scheme
Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, a disciple of Kalen DeBoer, has arrived with a reputation for aggressive play‑calling. He inherits a unit that lost its top four contributors on the defensive line but retains three seasoned linemen, including Conner Moore.
At quarterback, Alessio Milivojevic is expected to take the first snap. The former transfer brings a strong arm and poise under pressure, qualities that could help the Spartans move the ball more efficiently.
The backfield will feature Cam Edwards, a UConn transfer who is projected to be the primary running back. His blend of speed and vision could provide a fresh dimension to the rushing attack.
Tight end Carson Gulker, a Division II transfer, is being watched as a potential mismatch creator in the middle of the field, especially in red‑zone situations.
Questions Surround the Skill Positions
Wide receiver depth is a concern. Departures and a lack of high‑profile transfers have left the room thin, forcing younger players to step up or rely on untested options.
The secondary, described as the only true ‘empty’ group, will feature four new faces and Nikai Martinez returning from injury. How quickly they can gel will be a key determinant of the defense’s success.
Linebackers Jordan Hall and Caleb Wheatland are slated to start, giving the defense a solid core against the run. Their experience could help mask some of the secondary’s growing pains.
Overall, the Spartans enter the October 17 contest with a mixture of optimism and uncertainty. The offense looks to find its rhythm under a new coordinator, while the defense hopes to rebuild after losing its top contributors. For Northwestern, the game represents a chance to test its own revamped scheme against a team eager to prove that Pat Fitzgerald’s return can translate into wins.