Michigan State’s football program has not reached a bowl game since the 2021 season, a drought that has left fans yearning for a return to postseason play.
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald, now in his second year at the helm, is tasked with turning a program that posted a string of 5‑7, 4‑8, 5‑7 and 4‑8 records into a winning outfit.
Scenarios and schedules
Optimistic projections paint an 8‑4 finish, anchored by victories over traditional rivals such as Notre Dame, Michigan and Oregon, while pessimistic models warn of a 3‑9 slide if the quarterback position falters and the receiving corps fails to produce star power.
The schedule offers two guaranteed wins against Toledo and Eastern Michigan, but the only Power Conference opponent where the Spartans are favored is a home matchup against Northwestern.
At the center of the offense is quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, whose development will be closely watched as the team seeks stability under center.
Defensive concerns also linger, with analysts pointing to a lack of depth and experience that could exacerbate problems if the offense stalls.
Beyond the field, the program’s ties to Michigan State University and its rivalries with Notre Dame, the University of Michigan and the University of Oregon add a layer of tradition that fuels both hope and pressure.
If the Spartans can translate early momentum into consistent performances, the season could mark a turning point for a program eager to reclaim its place among the Big Ten elite.