Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Which former Michigan State football players are on NFL rosters in 2025?

ByConnor Muldowney|
Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) during warmups before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) during warmups before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

The NFL season is officially underway, and some former Michigan State football stars are getting ready to start their 2025 seasons strong.

There are over a dozen Spartans in the NFL, and one of them actually kicked things off on Thursday night in the Eagles vs. Cowboys game. Ben VanSumeren, a former Michigan State linebacker by way of rival Michigan, suffered a knee injury on the opening kickoff of the 2025 season and was unfortunately carted off the field.

There's no word on how serious the injury is, but it was in a non-contact situation with his knee. It didn't look good, but hopefully it's just a strain and not an ACL tear like many fear.

But VanSumeren isn't the only Spartan in the NFL. In fact, Michigan State has several players on NFL rosters this season. The official X account shared where they're all playing this season on Thursday.Guys

While the Michigan State football X account listed 17 Spartans in the league, it doesn't say which guys are on practice squads and which ones made the 53-man roster. So that's where I come in.

Here are the practice squad Spartans to start the 2025 season:

  • AJ Arcuri, OL, Rams
  • Nick Samac, OL, Ravens
  • Jordan Turner, LB, Broncos

Here are the rest of the Spartans who made 53-man rosters out of training camp:

  • Joe Bachie, LB, Colts -- starter
  • Bryce Baringer, P, Patriots -- starter
  • Josh Butler, CB, Cowboys -- out with injury
  • Nate Carter, RB, Falcons -- third-string
  • Jack Conklin, OL, Browns -- starter
  • Kirk Cousins, QB, Falcons -- backup
  • Connor Heyward, FB, Steelers -- starter
  • Naquan Jones, DT, Chargers -- backup
  • Jalen Nailor, WR, Vikings -- starter
  • Luke Newman, OL, Bears -- backup
  • Jayden Reed, WR, Packers -- starter
  • Ben VanSumeren, FB, Eagles -- starter (injured on Thursday)
  • Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seahawks -- starter
  • Cody White, WR, Seahawks -- backup

As you can see, there are three Spartans on practice squads entering the 2025 season, and 14 on active rosters, but two are injured and may miss some extended time. Plus, the Spartans are represented well by eight starters across the league at various positions.

Hopefully Jonathan Smith can add more Spartans to the NFL after the 2025 season.

Home/Spartans Football