For the past couple of seasons, the kicking game has been a strength for Michigan State football.
Jonathan Kim was a surprise star out of the transfer portal from North Carolina. He attempted just one field goal before coming to Michigan State in 2023, but he finished his Spartan career with 32 makes on 39 attempts. He was as money as any kicker in the Big Ten, and it's why he was given an NFL opportunity by the Chicago Bears.
Now that Kim is fighting for a roster spot in the NFL, the Spartans are left looking for his replacement, and that may be more difficult than anticipated.
Michigan State landed Martin Connington (a former Oregon State commit) in the 2024 recruiting class, but he redshirted as a freshman and waited for his opportunity to take over.
However, it looks like he may be fighting for the starting job when the season begins, and it's because he has been "dinged up" during fall camp. His kicking mate Tarik Ahmetbasic is expected back by the end of the week, but there's no word on the return of Connington who was one of the best kickers in the 2024 recruiting class.
Martin Connington and Tarik Ahmetbasic both dinged up, with Tarik expected back before the end of the week. Blake Sislo is the primary kicker currently, with the injuries.
— Emmett Matasovsky (@E_Matasovsky57) August 18, 2025
How concerning is this update from Jonathan Smith? Very, considering Ahmetbasic has never attempted a field goal in his career and Blake Sislo hasn't attempted one at the FBS level. That inexperience has led to some uncertainty heading into the season.
The Spartans need to sort out the kicking game before the season begins because games can be won and lost on special teams. A bad kicking game could crush Michigan State's bowl hopes.