3 Michigan State football players who need big games to secure a win over Purdue

2. Jack Velling, TE

Over the last several weeks, it feels like there hasn't been a true threat in the receiving game aside from freshman phenom Nick Marsh. WR2 Montorie Foster has had some decent games and Aziah Johnson had a big play last week against Illinois, but nobody aside from Marsh has been a consistent target for Aidan Chiles.

Coming into the season, tight end Jack Velling was expected to be a major contributor in the passing game, but he hasn't blossomed into the same player he was at Oregon State. Last year, he led college football in receiving touchdowns by a tight end, but this year, he has yet to smell the end zone and has only logged 323 yards in 10 games. He hasn't had a game with 50+ receiving yards since Week 6 vs. Oregon.

It's time for Velling to make his case to remain the starting tight end in 2025. So far, he hasn't given us much reason to believe he has that spot locked up based on his performance thus far. Marsh will get his targets this week, but Velling needs to be that safety blanket that Chiles can utilize in the middle of the field and in the flats. Too often does Chiles not have that security and it ends up in a turnover.

This is his chance to end the year strong, against an unimpressive Purdue team. Take advantage of the level of competition and build some momentum for 2025.