Expectations for the upcoming Michigan State football can be summed up in one word: modest.
The Spartans are coming off three straight seasons without receiving a bowl invite and 14 total wins since that magical 2021 season with Kenneth Walker III running rampant on defenses. The first year of Jonathan Smith was disappointing only because it looked like the Spartans were destined for a bowl berth, but they fell apart after that encouraging home win over Iowa.
Guys like Malik Spencer know that the expectations in East Lansing need to be raised, especially with such a storied program like Michigan State. He also believes that the Spartans had the guys to make a bowl game last season which makes that 5-7 campaign even more disheartening.
But he's excited about what's to come for the Spartans.
On Tuesday, following the team's first fall practice, Spencer spoke to the media and gave some insight into what the team's goals and expectations are.
One quote really stood out.
Malik Spencer: “If we are not all playing for a national championship, what are we doing here?” pic.twitter.com/MMHiBayoc6
— Emmett Matasovsky (@E_Matasovsky57) July 29, 2025
“If we are not all playing for a national championship, what are we doing here?”
That needs to be the mindset of every player suiting up for the green and white this fall. While a national title isn't exactly realistic, we've seen teams go from missing bowl games to shocking the nation and playing for titles like TCU and Washington just over the past few years. Spencer is holidng that same mindset for the Spartans.
Michigan State also needs leaders like Spencer who aren't afraid to raise the bar and hold the team accountable if it doesn't reach its goals.
As a fan, you have to want every player to say that they're playing to compete for a national title. Spencer is speaking it into existence.