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Preseason award watch lists prove Michigan State football has elite offensive weapons

ByConnor Muldowney|
Michigan State's Jack Velling, right, runs after a catch as Ohio State's Sonny Styles closes in during the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Michigan State's Jack Velling, right, runs after a catch as Ohio State's Sonny Styles closes in during the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Preseason award watch lists were unveiled over the past couple of weeks, and Michigan State football wasn't exactly heavily represented. In fact, the Spartans didn't have a single representative on the defensive side of the ball, but the offense was a different story.

There are some solid defensive options that probably could've made some watch lists (like Malik Spencer and Jordan Hall), but it was the MSU receiving corps and tight end room that were represented.

Earlier this week, the Biletnikoff Award revealed its preseason watch list, and two Spartans made the cut: Chrishon McCray and Omari Kelly. That's right, Michigan State's best receiver wasn't even listed on the Biletnikoff watch list, but that just goes to show how good this unit is.

Then, the Mackey Award watch list was unveiled, and Jack Velling was honored with a spot.

Michigan State had two players on the Biletnikoff watch list and one representative on the Mackey Award watch list. This put the Spartans in elite territory on the offensive side of the ball.

Only four other programs had two-plus Biletnikoff Award watch list representatives and one on the Mackey Award watch list.

Alabama, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State... and Michigan State. This is some elite company to be in ahead of the season, and those other four offenses are expected to be some of the best in the nation. Michigan State being in that same group should mean that the Spartans should see a massive improvement on that side of the ball.

On top of that, Jonathan Smith said that the offensive line has improved a lot this offseason and running backs coach Keith Bhonapha has spoken highly of his group. If they all play to their potential, Michigan State could legitimately have one of the top five offenses in the conference.

Oh, and don't forget former No. 1 overall portal quarterback Aidan Chiles entering his second year after improving throughout the 2024 season.

This offense should be scary in 2025.

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