A year ago, Michigan State football had one of the longest sack droughts in the country; it felt like the Spartans went months without getting to the quarterback.
While that's a slight exaggeration, it's not far off.
Michigan State recorded seven sacks in the season opener against FAU and then had just 12 in the remaining 11 games. The Spartans recorded more than a third of their sacks in the first game of the season, and then just couldn't seem to find the quarterbacks after that as the pass rush died down.
This was one of the bigger issues for the 5-7 Spartans as they started searching for answers when the offseason began, and Jonathan Smith addressed this in the transfer portal.
One of his new additions, David Santiago from Air Force, had some strong words earlier this week when talking to the media about the Spartans' improved pass rush for 2025.
David Santiago eager to add unique skill set to Michigan State rush end room
— Kenny Jordan (@Kenny_Jordan5) August 15, 2025
The RS-Sophomore transfer from Air Force had 3.5 sacks last season..
“The expectation is there, with the staff bringing in four new guys so that (sack drought) won’t happen again,”
(On3+):… pic.twitter.com/akEvl1nVVb
"... that (sack drought) won't happen again."
Those are some strong words from the newcomer who finished his redshirt freshman season with Air Force with 38 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He has the ability to get after the quarterback off the edge, and it doesn't sound like he's lacking any confidence.
Michigan State needs more guys like Santiago who can exude confidence and can go out and back it up -- he still has to show he can do the latter at the Power Four level. However, he did record six stops, a pass breakup, and a season-high 1.5 sacks against Oregon State last year.
Santiago and the Spartans are excited to show what they can do in 2025.
The confidence is a nice change of pace.