Ranking the top 5 Michigan State football teams since 2000

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 07: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans holds up the Big Ten championship trophy next to Denicos Allen #28 after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes 34-24 at the Big 10 Conference Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 7, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

1 of 6

Michigan State football has had some impressive teams over the past two decades, but how would we rank the top five since 2000?

Over the past two-plus decades, Michigan State football has seen a few coaching changes and a handful of 10-plus win seasons — most by Mark Dantonio.

The Dantonio era was extremely successful, for the most part, and Mel Tucker looks to be getting the program back on track with an 11-win season in 2021.

Although the Bobby Williams and John L. Smith eras were forgettable, there are still some very memorable teams from the past 21 years.

Following the departure of Nick Saban right before the Citrus Bowl during the 1999 season, Michigan State struggled mightily. Over the next seven seasons, Michigan State made just two bowl games and never had more than eight wins. It’s safe to say you won’t see any teams from those years on this list — yes, that eliminates Williams and Smith.

The program changed forever with the hire of Dantonio away from Cincinnati and then hit another home run with the Tucker hire. There have been some great teams over the past couple of decades and I can see some all-time squads in the near future.

Here are the five best Michigan State football teams since 2000.

Home/Spartans Football