We are still over a week away from kickoff, but it sounds like Michigan State football could be down a key defensive starter for that Week 1 matchup against Western Michigan.
On Sunday, it was reported that Jack Velling could miss some time as he's been absent for some of preseason fall camp, but another key player may be out with an injury in Week 1.
Nikai Martinez, a projected starter at safety, is reportedly a "game-time decision" for the Week 1 showdown against Western Michigan already, per Jonathan Smith.
Nikai Martinez ruled as likely a gametime decision for game one next week, per Jonathan Smith.
— Emmett Matasovsky (@E_Matasovsky57) August 18, 2025
To me, this sounds like they're being cautious with Martinez. Rushing him back for the Western game doesn't seem all that important, and it could give the staff an opportunity to break in some younger, unproven guys to get them some game experience while Martinez gets the rest and recovery he needs. He could probably play, but why force it?
Martinez had a solid first season with Michigan State after transferring in from UCF, totaling 51 tackles, three tackles for loss, two picks, and two pass breakups in 12 games. He's looking to build on that and help lead Michigan State's secondary back to relevance.
The Spartans haven't had an effective defensive backfield since the Mark Dantonio era, but Martinez is a guy who would have starred under the former head coach. When healthy, he will do that for Smith.
We may have to wait a little longer to see both Martinez and Velling in action this season, but I'd much rather the staff not rush these key starters back to avoid risking further injury.