Folks, it's game week. That's right, the first official game week of the year for Michigan State football is upon us, and the Spartans are busy preparing for a battle with Western Michigan.
Jonathan Smith spoke to the media on Monday in preparation for the season opener, and he gave some interesting updates, including one on star tight end Jack Velling.
The senior transfer from Oregon State is entering his second season with the Spartans, and there are some sky-high expectations for him. He has the potential to be an All-Big Ten first-teamer, but he has to remain healthy. Unfortunately, he's been bitten by the injury bug during fall camp.
About a week ago, it was reported that Velling was out with a foot injury but could return soon. That was by Bud Elliott on his Cover 3 Podcast, and an update was given almost immediately by the staff.
Velling was practicing, but the staff was proceeding with caution.
Now, Smith says that Velling "looks fine" which is coachspeak for "he's good to go" for the opener.
Jonathan Smith re-affirms that Nikai Martinez is a "game-time decision," but said that he took a few reps today in practice. Tarik Ahmetbasic is a game-time decision, too.
— Emmett Matasovsky (@E_Matasovsky57) August 25, 2025
Jack Velling update: the TE "looks fine."
The senior led the nation's tight ends in touchdown catches just two years ago, but didn't score his first as a Spartan until the final game of the season. He is hoping to have better luck in his second go-around with the Spartans, and if he's fully healthy, I expect him to be one of Aidan Chiles' favorite targets.
If we get a healthy Velling who plays to his potential this season, the Spartans are going to put up some gaudy numbers through the air.
So far, his health is looking good.