Less than three weeks stand between Michigan State football fans and the start of another season, this time with higher hopes and expectations than a year ago.
The Spartans are coming off a 5-7 season and had one of the worst showings in the trenches in recent memory. The offensive line was mediocre all season long and the defensive line had one of the longest sack-less droughts in recent memory.
That poor play in the trenches led to another bowl-less season and the Spartans just couldn't protect Aidan Chiles while opposing quarterbacks got to sit back in the pocket and pick apart the defense.
You don't need to tell these guys that they need to be better, though. They're fully aware of that. And they're fired up about the upcoming season so they can prove themselves.
In fact, Alex VanSumeren had a heck of a quote this week during media availability.
Love this answer from @alexvansumeren via @TheSpartanMag
— Kurt Richardson (@MotownKurtis) August 12, 2025
Old school #SpartanDawg mentality!!#MoreIsRequired #RentIsDue pic.twitter.com/TKBq1H71s7
"Every day is a separation day," VanSumeren said. "No matter who you are, no matter what you've done in the past, you've got to earn it every single day because rent's due."
VanSumeren said that this is the mindset of everyone in the locker room and that could be the different between being content with a sack drought and really pushing each other and getting after the quarterback on each down. I full expect him to be a serious threat on that defensive line this season, and it's because of this mindset and the guys all buying in.
In his two seasons of healthy play, VanSumeren has a total of 27 tackles with 1.5 sacks. I'm expecting that type of production, and then some, this season alone.