Michigan State enters 2025 with a simple but urgent mission: become bowl-eligible after missing out last season.
Head coach Jonathan Smith’s second year at the helm can’t afford a repeat of 2024, when the Spartans stumbled to a 5–7 record and missed postseason play by a single win. Frustration boiled over after a particularly deflating home loss to Rutgers. Now, with a new athletic director and mounting expectations, the pressure is on in East Lansing.
Solidify the Offensive Line
One of the major culprits behind last year’s struggles was the offensive line. Quarterback Aidan Chiles, though dynamic and mobile, spent far too much time under duress. The running game lacked consistency, and drives frequently stalled before they even got going. This offseason, Smith and offensive line coach Jim Michalczik have focused heavily on rebuilding the trenches. If the line can protect Chiles and open running lanes, Michigan State’s offense could elevate into the top half of the Big Ten.
Ignite the Pass Rush
Defensively, the Spartans lacked teeth in the pass rush. Opposing quarterbacks had time to scan the field and exploit weaknesses in the secondary. To turn things around, defensive coordinator Joe Rossi must dial up pressure packages, mix in creative blitzes, and get more production from his front seven. The athletes are there; the question is whether they can be unleashed in a system aggressive enough to disrupt timing and force turnovers.
Cut Down Turnovers
Aidan Chiles showed flashes of brilliance in his first season, but also struggled with consistency. He threw 11 interceptions in 2024, many of them in critical moments. With the addition of quarterbacks coach Jon Boyer, there’s hope that Chiles can grow into a smarter, more efficient field general. Reducing turnovers and improving red zone decision-making will be key to converting close losses into gritty wins.
Win the Must-Win Games
To reach the magic number of six wins needed for bowl eligibility, Michigan State must seize opportunities in winnable games. Key matchups include home games against UCLA and Indiana, and road trips to Maryland and Minnesota. The Spartans don’t need to upset Ohio State or Penn State—but they must handle the middle tier of the Big Ten with confidence and urgency.
Balance Youth and Experience
Coach Smith’s strategy this offseason has been all about balance. After emphasizing player development in 2024, he leaned heavily into the transfer portal in 2025 to add depth and experience. The result is a roster that blends promising underclassmen with seasoned veterans. If that combination clicks, MSU could become one of the Big Ten’s most improved teams.
The Bottom Line
For Michigan State to return to the postseason, they’ll need more than just grit. It will require a reshaped offensive line, a hungry defense, smarter quarterback play, and success in toss-up games. The good news? The pieces are there. If they come together, the Spartans could flip the script and return to bowl season—with a vengeance.
