Michigan State football: 5 reasons to be optimistic about the 2023 season
![Nov 5, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker reacts during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports Nov 5, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker reacts during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/2e96d31ecbd7e945d4cb03397176815a1e3b24ac0c7b8f2b64b065b076bc29c4.jpg)
Let’s face it, the 2022 season was an absolute nightmare for Michigan State football. The Spartans began the year ranked after going 11-2 in 2021 but fell short of all expectations, dropping a home game against Indiana to really seal their fate as a bowl-less team.
Mel Tucker admitted that he needed to do better and he’s put some pressure on himself heading into the 2023 season with an improved roster.
While some major pieces are gone (Keon Coleman, Payton Thorne, Jayden Reed), Michigan State should be improved in most regards this season and there should be some excitement surrounding this team with no expectations.
Here’s why Spartan fans should be (cautiously) optimistic heading into 2023.
5. This is Mel Tucker’s deepest team yet
Mel Tucker has reiterated that this is his most talented and deepest roster since he’s been at Michigan State — and he’s not wrong.
If you look at every single position group, the depth is impressive. This is the product of a couple of strong recruiting classes in a row. The 2022 class was solid and the 2023 group was even better and we’re starting to see how Tucker’s recruiting is paying off.
The offensive line is its deepest yet, the defensive line is loaded, the linebackers are some of the best in the country, the defensive backfield added a ton of depth and talent, the receiving corps is unproven but talented, and the backfield has 2-3 starting-caliber backs. Oh, and there are three legit starting-caliber quarterbacks on the roster.
This team is incredibly deep.