The first four games of the 2025 Michigan State football season are officially behind us, and we're probably at the same spot we were before the season in terms of expectations.
While the Spartans are 3-1 on the year, they have provided some reasons for concern on the defensive side of the ball, and because of the latest barrage of injuries. The team has been solid offensively, but it's given up 40 points in two of the last three weeks.
While the defense has been a disappointment, there have been some pleasant surprises during this 3-1 start as well. These are my three biggest surprises after four games.
1. Omari Kelly, WR
In my opinion, the Middle Tennessee receiver transfer has been the most pleasant surprise on the team. While he did get plenty of rave reviews in the weeks leading up to the season, no one expected him to be the team's leading receiver with Nick Marsh fully healthy after four games.
Kelly looked like Aidan Chiles' favorite target in the opener, and he's remained consistent since. He has 21 catches for 317 yards and he scored his first touchdown on a 75-yarder against USC.
Oh, and he caught the game-winning 2-point conversion against Boston College.
2. Malcolm Bell, CB
It feels like every week that I come away impressed by how Malcolm Bell has played on a defense that has very few bright spots after four games. He has 10 total tackles and a pass breakup this season, and he's been really locking down in recent weeks. The UConn transfer has only been targeted seven times this season, giving up less than 70 yards. Now, if everyone else in the defensive backfield could just follow his lead, we might see vast improvements.
3. Michael Masunas, TE
I'll be the first to admit that I believed that 2025 was going to be the year of Jack Velling. The senior tight end is still the team's best at the position, but Michael Masunas is pushing him for snaps and targets. The sophomore tight end is playing really well this season, catching seven passes for 94 yards and two scores while Velling has 74 yards and a touchdown on eight catches.
I'm not sure that anyone saw Masunas being the team's top-performing tight end through four games.
Bonus: Aidan Chiles
Why is Aidan Chiles on here when everyone expected him to improve after a shaky first season with Michigan State? While everyone was hopeful for improvement, that obviously wasn't a given, and I think more doubt surrounded the Spartan starting quarterback entering the season than optimism. He has since proved doubters wrong to the tune of nearly 900 passing yards, 123 rushing yards, and 11 total touchdowns with one pick through four games.