Through four games, Michigan State football is right about where everyone expected them to be. The Spartans are 3-1, but they have plenty of work to do.
Michigan State needs to turn the defense around in the final eight games of the season, but the first four games have been a nightmare on that side of the ball. Joe Rossi has his work cut out for him, but you just know the grades from the first four games on this side of the ball won’t be very favorable.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at the position-by-position report card from the first four games of the 2025 season.
Quarterback: A-
Aidan Chiles has been fantastic for Michigan State through four games, and he’s arguably the most improved player on the entire roster. He’s totally flipped his touchdown-to-interception ratio, and his accuracy is up about 10 points from last year. He has over 1,000 total yards and 11 touchdowns this season with just one interception. Chiles has been much more careful with the ball and he’s been one of the biggest bright spots this year.
Running backs: B-
After the first game against Western Michigan, I was ready to say that the running backs were one of the most improved position groups on the team. I still think they’ve improved quite a bit, despite losing NFL rusher Nate Carter, but there’s still plenty of room to grow.
Makhi Frazier has been solid as the lead back with 267 yards and two touchdowns on 4.7 yards per carry and Brandon Tullis has been a heck of a backup with 128 yards and a score on 5.1 per touch.
The running back room has some options, which is a good sign.
Receivers/tight ends: A-
Honestly, this group probably deserves an A, but the only reason it’s getting an A- instead is Jack Velling’s inconsistent play. Also, there haven’t been any receivers really stepping up outside of Nick Marsh and Omari Kelly with the exception of Chrishon McCray, to an extent.
The receiving corps needs to be a little deeper than 2-3 guys and Velling needs to play to his potential and this will be an easy A. This group is as talented as it’s been in years.`
Offensive line: C
It would be easy to give the offensive line a lower grade because of its lackluster pass-blocking, but the run-blocking has salvaged the grade. Without the success in the run game, the offensive line would probably be closer to a D or a D+.
The group has also been ravaged by injuries as Luka Vincic and Stanton Ramil have both gone down, though the latter is expected to come back in a month — Vincic will be out for the year.
There are some quality pieces on the line like Matt Gulbin, Conner Moore, and Rustin Young.
Defensive line: D+
I’m not sure if this is too harsh or not harsh enough. The defensive line hasn’t gotten much of a push this season, and while it’s been strong against the run, it didn’t record a single sacks against USC or Boston College. The two Power Four teams the Spartans faced resulted in zero sacks for the defensive line. Not ideal.
Again, there are solid pieces like Grady Kelly, Jalen Thompson, Anelu Lafaele, Derrick Simmons, and Alex VanSumeren, but the consistency is lacking.
Linebackers: B
At the start of the year, the linebackers were considered the best position group on the team with the most depth, but fast forward to October, and it feels like that honor is reserved for the receivers.
I’ve liked what I’ve seen from Jordan Hall and Wayne Matthews, but they need to be more effective against the pass. I’d also like to see more blitz packages with these guys.
Losing Brady Pretzlaff for the season is going to hurt.
Secondary: C-
How is the secondary not the lowest grade on the team? That’s because a lot of the struggles from this group stem from the lack of pressure on the defensive line. The fact that there’s no constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks means that the secondary is forced to pick up the slack, but it’s not easy when they have all day to sit in the pocket and dissect the defense.
Malcolm Bell has been a revelation, Nikai Martinez’s return should help, Malik Spencer has shown promise, and I’m excited about the young guys like Chance Rucker and Aydan West.
Special teams: A-
What a difference a few years make. Early in the Mel Tucker era, it felt like special teams were a weakness, but they’ve become a major strength for Jonathan Smith and Co.
The return game has been solid despite Alante Brown’s injury, Martin Connington has been better than advertised as the kicker, and Ryan Eckley is probably the best punter in the nation.
Michigan State’s special teams have come a long way.
Coaching: C+
Clock management has been a slight issue, Joe Rossi deserves a ton of criticism for his lack of improvement on defense, and the play-calling has had its ups and downs.
The coaching hasn’t been bad, but it has left a lot to be desired.