Tom Izzo has always said that a player-led team is his favorite. He loves when guys step up and lead on their own, and it usually leads to the best results. Jonathan Smith may have to agree, especially after Jordan Hall shared a strong message after Saturday's 41-24 win over Youngstown State.
The junior linebacker was once again solid against the Penguins, but the defense as a whole was a total letdown. The Spartans gave up 24 points to an FCS opponent, and that was while holding Beau Brungard to just 17 total rushing yards. There was no excuse for the lackluster showing everywhere else on the defensive side of the ball.
That got to Hall, and he shared a harsh, but fair, message following the win.
Jordan Hall: "You have to step up, that is the way it is. I had to do it my freshman year. If you can't, we will find someone else."
— Emmett Matasovsky (@E_Matasovsky57) September 13, 2025
Hall basically said, "If you're not willing to step up and put in the work, move aside and we'll find someone who can."
That's exactly what you want to hear from your team captains. Hall is holding teammates, as well as himself, accountable. He knows that there are growing pains with some of the young guys, and he admitted he experienced the same as a freshman, but if they're not going to help the cause, they need to move out of the way for someone who will.
The Spartan defense gave up 40 points to Boston College last week and then 24 on Saturday to an FCS foe, which is a concerning trend for Joe Rossi's unit which held Western Michigan scoreless.
This message from Hall might sound harsh, but it's fair. If you can't do the job, move aside and the staff will find someone who can. You either give 100 percent or move out of the way.