The 2025 Michigan State football season is here, and that means one thing: it's breakout candidate season.
OK, that's not what you were thinking, but it's been on my mind for weeks, and I have my favorite candidates to break out on each side of the ball, starting with the offense.
3. Jayden Savoury, TE, Freshman
This may be a year too early, but I'm buying into the hype surrounding Jayden Savoury from fall camp, and I truly think he may exceed expectations from day one.
If Jack Velling is hampered at all during the season (knocking on wood that it doesn't happen), we could see Savoury earn himself a larger role. He may have already done that during fall camp with impressive performances during the scrimmages, and I'd be shocked if we didn't see him out there as a downfield threat at tight end. I'd even consider 200-250 receiving yards a "breakout" for a tight end.
2. Makhi Frazier/Brandon Tullis, RBs, Sophomores
It was honestly too hard to pick one, and I'm not going to cheat and have both backfield options as their own separate breakout candidate -- that would make for a lame post. Instead, I'm going with the duo of Makhi Frazier and Brandon Tullis to break out.
I am slightly worried about the backfield not having any experience at this level, but from listening to the staff talk about Frazier and Tullis, they're ready.
This could be a poor man's Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick situation. As long as both guys average around 5.0 yards per carry, I'll be happy. And I do see that happening behind an improved line.
1. Rod Bullard Jr., WR, Senior
The senior Valdosta State transfer wasn't expected to be in the mix for a starting spot when camp started, but he has very much played himself into a borderline starter.
Rod Bullard Jr. has exceeded everyone's expectations, and you can tell that he's hungry to take advantage of this situation that he's in. He transferred up a couple of levels and he's hungry to prove himself as worthy to play at a high level. The staff has been praising Bullard left and right, and now he's going to get his shot.
I always expected Chrishon McCray to be that WR3, but it looks like it might just be Bullard. And if it is Bullard, I expect big things.