
Michigan State Looks to Increase Playing Time for Key Players in Week 2
A look at the players who saw limited action in Week 1 and are expected to see expanded roles in the upcoming game.
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A look at the players who saw limited action in Week 1 and are expected to see expanded roles in the upcoming game.

Alessio Milivojevic earned the starting role after a standout finish to last season, averaging nearly 250 passing yards per game with seven touchdowns. New quarterbacks coach John McNulty and a deep backup pool add depth as the team eyes a rebound.

Pat Fitzgerald, celebrated for his success at Northwestern, is now the head coach of Michigan State, bringing his Big Ten expertise to East Lansing. The program is gearing up for a competitive 2026 campaign that includes key returning players, a wave of transfers, and a challenging schedule.
UCF opens 2026 training camp with low expectations after a projected bottom‑half Big 12 finish. New quarterback Alonza Barnett III brings Sun Belt Player of the Year credentials, while the offensive line, run game and pass rush face major revisions.
The University of Central Florida’s 2025 national championship still reverberates across college football, but the Knights are already confronting a steep climb as they prepare for the 2026 season. Training camp opened with a sense of urgency, as the program grapples with a 7‑20 record against Big 12 opponents and a preseason projection that predicts another bottom‑half finish. At the heart of the conversation is the quarterback position, where UCF has turned to Alonza Barnett III, the Sun Belt Player of the Year who transferred from James Madison. Barnett brings a rare blend of arm strength and mobility, having posted 2,806 passing yards and 38 touchdowns last season, but coaches have flagged accuracy concerns that could shape his early playing time. The offensive line will also be reshaped, with former Wisconsin assistant AJ Blazek and Oklahoma State’s Cooper Bassett brought in to overhaul a unit that struggled in short‑yardage situations, including a three‑run stretch from the 1‑yard line against Kansas. Defensively, the Knights must replace edge rushers Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly, who combined for ten of the team’s 27 sacks, while hoping that a more aggressive pass rush from the front four can free up a secondary eager to generate turnovers under coordinator Alex Grinch. A New Era at UCF The blend of experienced returnees like right tackle Preston Cushman and fresh talent from the transfer portal — including Henry Tabansi, Brady Weyburn and Cooper Terpstra — creates a roster that is both hopeful and unsettled. As the Knights navigate a demanding Big 12 schedule, the early results of these moves will determine whether the 2025 magic can be rekindled.
The University of Central Florida is gearing up for the 2026 college football season under head coach Scott Frost, with transfer Alonza Barnett III expected to lead a revitalized offense.

At the Big Ten media day in Chicago, Michigan State’s head coach Pat Fitzgerald outlined his vision for a more physical, academically strong team, citing new eligibility rules and a healthier roster that could reshape the program’s future.

Michigan State enters 2026 with the 15th‑oldest FBS roster, a veteran-heavy lineup that could reshape its competitive outlook.

The Spartans are welcoming a wave of fresh talent, from a highly ranked offensive tackle to a speedy receiver, while the NCAA eyes a rule change that could alter scholarship dynamics.
Pat Fitzgerald has introduced a demanding workout regimen and a clear vision for rebuilding Michigan State’s roster, targeting depth, confidence and a stronger pass rush as the team readies for its first game against Toledo.
Pat Fitzgerald returns to his alma mater with a clear mission: to rebuild a program that has struggled with consistency, depth and a lack of recent bowl appearances. His strategy hinges on a structured workout plan, a wave of strategic transfers and a renewed emphasis on preparation and confidence.