Tag: spartans

Reports: Michigan State brings Pat Fitzgerald back to Big Ten

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pat Fitzgerald is back in the Big Ten as head coach of the Michigan State Spartans after signing a five-year contract on Monday, according to multiple reports.

Fitzgerald, 50, will be formally introduced at a Tuesday press conference in East Lansing and is the third coach of the Spartans in just over two years’ time.

The Jonathan Smith era ended when he was fired Sunday after eight losses in the final nine games of the season, capping a two-year stint with the program at 4-15 because of the NCAA vacating five wins from 2024. He has more than $30 million remaining on his contract.

Fitzgerald last coached in 2022 for Northwestern. The Wildcats went 110-101 across his 17 seasons while recording a few double-digit-win campaigns and claiming a handful of bowl victories.

Fitzgerald finished his last two seasons with the program a combined 4-20 and was fired in July 2023 due to a hazing scandal that the school said included “forced participation, nudity and sexualized acts of a degrading nature.”

But the two sides reached a financial settlement in August that Fitzgerald said cleared his name. Terms were not disclosed but Fitzgerald’s attorneys called it a “satisfactory settlement.”

Fitzgerald sued Northwestern for $130 million in October 2023 claiming his employment was “unlawfully terminated” and that Northwestern damaged his reputation.

“For the past two years, I have engaged in a process of extensive fact and expert discovery, which showed what I have known and said all along — that I had no knowledge of hazing ever occurring in the Northwestern football program and that I never directed or encouraged hazing in any way,” Fitzgerald said in a statement in August.

Fitzgerald’s son, Ryan, is a walk-on quarterback at Iowa.

Smith took over the program in November 2023 after Mel Tucker’s firing two months prior amid sexual harassment allegations following several NCAA violations.

Michigan State began the 2025 season 3-0 but lost to then-1-4 UCLA, then-3-6 Penn State and rival Michigan in the midst of eight consecutive defeats.

The NCAA vacated all five of Michigan State’s wins from his debut 2024 season, as well as nine more wins from the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, due to recruiting violations during the Tucker era.

When Smith was named Michigan State coach in 2023, he was coming off a 25-13 run over three seasons with Oregon State, where he went 34-35 overall.

–Field Level Media

Alessio Milivojevic helps Michigan State avoid history it didn’t want

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Freshman Alessio Milivojevic threw a career-high four touchdown passes and Michigan State snapped its eight-game losing streak with a 38-28 victory over Maryland on Saturday at Ford Field in Detroit.

Alante Brown added a 92-yard kickoff return touchdown as the Spartans (4-8, 1-8 Big Ten) avoided becoming the first Michigan State team to lose all of its league games since joining the Big Ten in 1953.

Milivojevic did most of his damage in the first half and finished the game 27 of 39 for 292 yards and one interception.

Maryland (4-8, 1-8) rallied in the second half but suffered its eighth straight loss, matching the longest losing streak of coach Mike Locksley’s seven-year tenure and the second longest skid in program history.

Freshman Malik Washington completed 38 of 61 passes for 459 yards with three touchdowns and one interception for the Terrapins. His competitions, attempts and yardage were all career highs.

Michigan rolled up 453 yards while Maryland finished with 534 yards, its most in a game since last season’s opener.

Milivojevic repeatedly attacked the middle of the Maryland defense, finding receivers open between the hash marks.

Nick Marsh had seven receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown while Jack Velling made five catches for 68 yards and another score.

Milivojevic’s biggest completion came when the Spartans, holding a 31-28 lead, made a bold call, going for it on fourth-and-7 from the Terrapins’ 10 with two minutes left in the game.

Milivojevic found Omari Kelly open in the back of the end zone for the clinching touchdown.

Michigan State scored on the game’s opening possession as Milivojevic capped a 70-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Kai Rios.

After Martin Covington increased the Spartans’ lead to 10-0 with a 25-yard field goal, Milivojevic fired a 15-yard touchdown pass to Marsh less than four minutes into the second quarter.

Washington countered with his first touchdown pass of the game, a 7-yard toss to the back of the end zone to Jalil Farooq to cut the deficit to 17-7 two-and-a-half minutes after the Marsh score.

Milivojevic was clutch again as he threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Velling with just four seconds left in the half, making it 24-7.

In the third quarter, Maryland scored touchdowns on its first three possessions. Washington fired two touchdown passes in the period, but in between came Brown’s kickoff return score, keeping the Spartans in front 31-28.

Elijah Tau-Tolliver carried 13 times for 95 yards for Michigan State.

Farooq had 10 receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns while Shaleak Knotts caught eight passes for 139 yards and a touchdown for Maryland.

–Field Level Media

Drew Stevens’ 44-yard FG caps Iowa rally over Michigan State

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Drew Stevens kicked a 44-yard field goal as time expired to give Iowa a 20-17 Big Ten win over Michigan State on Saturday in Iowa City.

After taking over on its own 21-yard line with 41 seconds remaining, the Hawkeyes advanced the ball to Michigan State’s 25 on a 29-yard pass from Mark Gronowski to Reece Vander Zee to help set up Stevens’ game-winner.

Gronowski finished 12-of-22 passing for 147 yards, one touchdown and one interception for Iowa (7-4, 5-3), which trailing 17-7 entering the fourth quarter.

Alessio Milivojevic completed 25 of 42 for 255 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for Michigan State (3-8, 0-8), which has lost eight straight.

Michigan State held a 17-10 lead until Iowa tied the game at 17-17 with 1:29 left on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Gronowski to Jacob Gill, who outjumped a defender in the corner of the end zone.

The score was set up by a 40-yard punt return to the Michigan State 43 by Kaden Wetjen.

Trailing 7-3 at halftime, Michigan State scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 17-7 lead.

Milivojevic hit Chrishon McCray for a 45-yard touchdown pass with 8:58 left in the third to give the Spartans a 10-7 lead. Michigan State went up 10 points on Milivojevic’s 5-yard pass to McCray that capped an 11-play, 80-yard drive.

Iowa finally mounted a drive early in the fourth, going 67 yards in nine plays and cutting Michigan State’s lead to 17-10 with 11:27 remaining on a 26-yard field goal by Stevens.

Iowa took a 7-0 lead with 3:38 remaining in the first when Wetjen returned a punt 62 yards for a touchdown.

Michigan State made it a 7-3 game with 2:54 left in the first half on a 27-yard field goal by Martin Connington.

–Field Level Media

Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) scores a touchdown on 1 yard run during the third quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

UCLA’s task: Produce impressive encore at Michigan State

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After his team shocked the college football world last week, the next objective for UCLA interim head coach Tim Skipper is to avoid being “one-hit wonders” as they head into a Big Ten contest Saturday afternoon at Michigan State.

UCLA is coming off a stunning home upset of then-No. 7 Penn State, becoming the first 0-4 team to beat a team ranked in the Top 10 since an 0-6 UTEP squad stunned No. 7 BYU on Oct. 26, 1985.

While basking in the glow and taking countless congratulations from coaching friends and school alumni, Skipper hopes it is the start of something for the rest of this season and not an aberration. UTEP, for example, finished its 1985 season 1-10.

“I’m a 24-hour type guy,” Skipper said. “Once we started our team meeting (Sunday), it was watch, correct and critique things. Enjoy the good moments from the game, but then we moved on pretty quickly after that. We don’t want to be one-hit wonders. That’s the whole key to this thing. Do not be a one-hit wonder.”

UCLA (1-4, 1-1 Big Ten) hopes to make it two in a row when it opposes Michigan State (3-2, 0-2), which has a head coach familiar with the Bruins.

Jonathan Smith grew up in Pasadena, Calif., and has been rumored to be a candidate for the full-time UCLA job since DeShaun Foster was fired after Week 3.

Smith was impressed with what UCLA did against Penn State, particularly with the way quarterback Nico Iamaleava ran the ball. In addition to throwing for 166 yards and two touchdowns, the Tennessee transfer rushed 16 times for 128 yards and three scores.

“You look at the quarterback and how he hurt them with his legs,” Smith said. “The ability to run. I know he’s one of their leading rushers. But that part stood out, how he ran with the ball and really willingly made some plays for that offense.”

Michigan State also boasts a talented dual-threat quarterback in Aidan Chiles, who will look to rebound from a poor passing performance against Nebraska.

Chiles, who rushed for two scores, completed just 9 of 23 passes for 85 yards and two interceptions in the Spartans’ 38-27 road loss. Smith believes a lot of it was the byproduct of poor protection from the offensive line.

“It showed up being worse than it was on the film,” he said. “We’ve got to get a cleaner pocket for him.”

This will be the first meeting between UCLA and Michigan State since 1974. The all-time series is tied 3-3.

–Field Level Media

Michigan State's Wayne Matthews III, left, celebrates with Nikai Martinez after a tackle against Youngstown State during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State: LB Wayne Matthews III’s motor skills intact after serious injury

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan State said that linebacker Wayne Matthews III’s motor skills are intact after he suffered a serious injury late in the first half of the Spartans’ game at Southern California on Saturday night in Los Angeles.

With the Trojans in the red zone on first-and-9, Matthews was in on a tackle of running back Waymond Jordan with 42 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Upon making the tackle, Matthews stayed down on the field and was attended to by Michigan State’s medical staff during an extended injury timeout.

After his shoulder pads and jersey were cut off, he was strapped onto a backboard and loaded onto a cart which transported him to an ambulance that took him to Los Angeles General Medical Center. As the redshirt senior was being carted off, Matthews gave a thumbs-up to teammates and the fans in attendance, receiving an ovation.

A second-year Old Dominion transfer, Matthews has appeared in 39 college games, recording 208 tackles (including two on Saturday), 3.5 sacks and one interception.

–Field Level Media

Sep 6, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith walks across the field following a double-overtime victory over Boston College at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

Michigan State scheduled for 11 p.m. ET start at USC

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan State football fans will need some coffee or energy drinks to watch their team’s Week 4 game at Southern California.

Fox scheduled the Spartans-Trojans game on Sept. 20 for an 11 p.m. ET kickoff, or 8 p.m. in Los Angeles.

“It’s gonna be a late one folks,” Michigan State football’s X account posted when the news broke Monday.

The scheduling decision was met with backlash from fans who felt it was an unfair consequence of the Big Ten Conference adding USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington to create a coast-to-coast league footprint.

Last year, Rutgers’ game at USC on Oct. 25 was also given an 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT television window, though that game took place on a Friday.

Both Michigan State and USC are 2-0 entering this week.

–Field Level Media

Michigan State's Armorion Smith celebrates after tackling Boston College's Lewis Bond during the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State tops Boston College in two-OT thriller

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Aidan Chiles’ 2-yard conversion pass to Omari Kelly in the second overtime gave Michigan State a 42-40 victory over Boston College at East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday.

Chiles passed for 231 yards and four touchdowns and also scored a rushing touchdown in the second overtime. Nick Marsh caught five passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns for the Spartans (2-0).

Dylan Lonergan passed for 390 yards and four touchdowns for Boston College (1-1). Turbo Richard rushed for 55 yards and a touchdown and also caught seven passes for 66 yards and another score. Jeremiah Franklin caught eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown.

The Spartans scored first in overtime on Chiles’ 5-yard pass to fullback Jay Coyne. The Eagles answered with a 6-yard scoring pass from Lonergan to Franklin. The extra-point kick was successful after both scores.

Richard then scored on an 8-yard run during BC’s second OT possession, but Lonergan’s 2-point conversion pass fell incomplete.

Michigan State answered with Chiles’ 3-yard scoring run, followed by the winning conversion.

Lonergan threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns in the first half as Boston College grabbed a 21-14 halftime lead.

The Spartans scored first as Marsh twisted and dragged a defender into the end zone on an 11-yard pass play.

Richard caught an 8-yard scoring pass from Lonergan early in the second quarter, then Lonergan hooked up with Jaedn Skeete from 12 yards out for a touchdown.

Alante Brown’s 63-yard kickoff return set up the Spartans’ next score. Chiles finished off the four-play drive with a 3-yard pass to Michael Masunas.

The Eagles regained the lead with 31 seconds left in the half on Lonergan’s 14-yard pass to Reed Harris.

The Spartans knotted the score again on their first possession of the second half when Chiles hooked up with Marsh on a 41-yard scoring pass.

Luca Lombardo’s 37-yard field goal put the Eagles back on top 24-21 midway through the third. Martin Connington’s 50-yard field goal later in the quarter forged another tie.

Connington’s second field goal with 4:08 remaining, a 39-yarder, gave the Spartans a 27-24 lead. Lombardo made a 38-yarder with 1:16 left to tie it at 27-apiece.

–Field Level Media

Michigan State football head coach Jonathan Smith looks on during practice on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in East Lansing.

Michigan State motivated to shift trajectory, readies for Western Michigan

Posted on | by Field Level Media

When Michigan State kicks off its season Friday night in East Lansing against visiting Western Michigan, it won’t just be the start of another fall campaign. It’ll be a litmus test for Jonathan Smith, who kicks off his second year as head coach of the Spartans.

After his team lost four of its last five games and finished 5-7 in 2024, Smith is embracing the challenge of goals that include bowl eligibility and beyond for a program hungry for relevance.

“Our guys are focused in their prep of Western Michigan,” Smith said. “This is our first opportunity. We’re only guaranteed 12 of those (games). Obviously, we want to be playing more than 12, but we’re only guaranteed 12.”

A great deal of the Spartans’ success will depend on the improvement of quarterback Aidan Chiles. He followed Smith from Oregon State and became the Michigan State starter in 2024. He completed 59.4 percent of his throws for 2,415 yards and 13 touchdowns — with 11 interceptions — and rushed for 225 yards and three scores, with four lost fumbles.

Chiles showed flashes of promise last season but struggled with ball security — something Smith hopes will improve with another offseason in the system.

“I want (Chiles) to operate and trust what he sees, and take what they give you, get us in the right play and compete,” Smith said of his expectations in the opener.

Chiles will face a Broncos team that brought in 33 transfers and 14 freshmen during the offseason after finishing 6-7 last season.

“It’ll be a great challenge and opportunity for us on Friday night, one that we’re looking forward to embracing,” said Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor. “Our focus has really just been on worrying about the process of getting better every single day, and not trying to get too high or too low, riding that emotional roller coaster.”

With Hayden Wolff gone, the Broncos will rotate two quarterbacks: redshirt sophomore Broc Lowry and JUCO standout Brady Jones. Lowry, last year’s backup, brings familiarity with the system. Jones arrives from Riverside Community College, where he lit up defenses with 4,456 yards passing, including 44 touchdowns.

“They’ve both done an excellent job really commanding the offense, being great teammates, being great leaders, and when they’ve had opportunities, they’ve been efficient, they haven’t put the ball in jeopardy, and really done a nice job leading our offense,” Taylor said.

Western Michigan has lost 13 straight games to the Spartans.

–Field Level Media

Oct 21, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets athletic director J Batt on the field before a game against the Boston College Eagles at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Michigan State hires J Batt as athletic director

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan State announced the hiring of J Batt as the Spartans’ new athletic director on Monday.

Batt has held that same position at Georgia Tech since 2022 after serving as deputy AD at Alabama (2017-22) and associate AD at East Carolina (2013-17).

“J has an impressive record at several Power 5 schools and an impeccable reputation as a strong and innovative leader,” school president Kevin Guskiewicz said. “He will bring experience, excitement and a commitment to elevating Spartan athletics to the next level. We are thrilled to have J join our leadership team at Michigan State.”

Batt’s tenure in East Lansing will begin the week of June 16, following confirmation by the board of trustees at its June 13 meeting.

Batt, 43, will receive a six-year contract worth more than $1.5 million annually and a buyout of more than $1 million, according to The Detroit News.

“This is truly an amazing opportunity to lead an outstanding, tradition-rich and passionate program, and I am grateful to President Guskiewicz and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity,” Batt said. “Working together, in alignment with university leadership, the full athletics department and an enthusiastic fan base, we can take the positive momentum already happening at MSU and reach new levels of success as we move into the next era of intercollegiate athletics. My family and I look forward to joining the Michigan State and East Lansing communities.”

Spartans men’s basketball coach and current co-interim AD Tom Izzo praised the hiring.

“This is a key moment in the history of Michigan State Athletics,” Izzo said. “With J Batt’s hiring, President Kevin Guskiewicz has found the right person to lead our department as college athletics continues to evolve. J has displayed tremendous innovation as a leader and has a proven track record of revenue generation. We are excited to welcome J and his family to Michigan State.”

Batt replaces Alan Haller, who was relieved of his duties on May 1 after less than four years in the position.

–Field Level Media

Sep 14, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (R) talks with former player Michael Vick (L) before a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Report: Michael Vick agrees to become Norfolk State coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Norfolk State and Michael Vick have an agreement in place to make the former NFL star the next head coach of the Spartans’ FCS football program, the Virginian-Pilot reported on Tuesday.

Vick, 44, emerged as a candidate for the opening on Monday, and ESPN followed with a report claiming that Sacramento State was also in the running for Vick.

A native of Newport News, Va., less than 30 miles from the campus in Norfolk, Vick opted to stay close to home. This will be his first coaching job of any kind.

“I know how to lead and I know what it takes,” he told the Pilot on Monday.

Vick replaces Dawson Odums, fired by the school on Nov. 26. Odums led the MEAC school to a 15-31 mark in four seasons. Norfolk State went 4-8 in 2024.

Vick threw for 22,464 yards, 133 touchdowns and 88 interceptions in 143 career NFL games (115 starts) with four teams, most notably the Atlanta Falcons (2001-06) and Philadelphia Eagles (2009-13). He rushed for another 6,109 yards and 36 TDs.

He was suspended from football in 2007 and 2008 for his role in an illegal dog-fighting ring, which landed him in federal prison for 21 months. He won the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2010.

Vick starred at Virginia Tech for two seasons, passing for 3,074 yards and rushing for 1,202. He combined for 36 TDs. He was the No. 1 overall pick by the Falcons in the 2001 draft.

–Field Level Media