Jonathan Smith is no stranger to building programs from the ground up.
In the three years before Smith got to Oregon State as the head coach, the Beavers won a total of seven games. It was one of the worst programs in the Power Five, but then he took over, and everything changed.
It wasn't an immediate change, however.
You could tell the culture had a shift when he showed up ahead of the 2018 season, but his Beavers went just 2-10 in his first year -- a one-win improvement from 2017. He then won five games the next season before COVID-19 happened and, like most programs, he struggled a bit, finishing 2-5.
After that COVID-19 season, however, Smith seemed to turn it up a notch, winning 25 games over the next three seasons with three straight bowl berths, something the program hadn't done in over a decade.
And now, he's facing a similar situation with Michigan State, but the Spartans have more resources at his disposal to make sure the program-building is sped up.
It also helps to have elite coaches leading other programs at the school, because Smith said he's still learning from guys like Tom Izzo on how to build one of the best programs in the sport.
INTERVIEW: Jonathan Smith wants to build Michigan State's football brand with a "blue collar" effort, capitalizing on showcases like the game vs. Boston College.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 3, 2025
"Following in the footsteps and learning from Coach Izzo, the way he's done it for such a long time at a high level." pic.twitter.com/Sfu4uun8fS
Brad Galli did an awesome interview with Smith where they talked about the team's Week 1 performance, what needs to be corrected, team bonding when he put on the hockey pads, and just enjoying his time at Michigan State while learning from a Hall of Famer.
The quote about Izzo was the highlight, however.
Not many veteran coaches can admit that they're learning from a fellow head coach at the same school, but that's the kind of relationship Izzo and Smith have.