There's a different buzz -- a different feel -- surrounding the Michigan State football program this offseason. The Spartans' expectations are rising for Jonathan Smith's second season, and he feels good about what he has heading into the opener versus Western Michigan next week.
Michigan State finished 5-7 and missed its third straight bowl game in 2024, and that caused plenty of pessimism in the fanbase. It was another dark moment for the program.
Things have been looking up this summer and throughout fall camp, however.
Smith has been praising his team throughout camp, especially on the offensive side of the ball. He's had good things to say about some freshmen, a few newcomers from the portal, and also his quarterback who's entering his second year as the starter.
But the biggest improvement from last season, according to Smith, was revealed on the Big Ten Network on Thursday night as it traveled to East Lansing for the next stop on its annual preseason campus tour.
"I feel confident in our approach going into Year 2 here."@Coach_Smith is ready for his second year with @MSU_Football. pic.twitter.com/l1sTQ4gUK3
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 22, 2025
The biggest area of improvement for Michigan State this year compared to the 2024 season? Depth. Smith was pretty quick to answer that question as he feels like the depth has been improved at every position and it's helped foster some healthy position battles throughout camp.
It makes sense, though. A year ago, the Spartans were thin at receiver, on the offensive line, the defensive line, and the defensive backfield. That's no longer the case.
What had been weaknesses a year ago have become strengths heading into 2025.
This is how you build a program.