A peek at opponents -- Friday games
Friday, Aug. 29, 2025
Western Michigan at Michigan State (7 p.m., FS1)
Central Michigan at San Jose State (10:30, FS1)
CLICK READ MORE FOR DETAILS . . .
Western Michigan at Michigan State (7 p.m., FS1)
Central Michigan at San Jose State (10:30, FS1)
CLICK READ MORE FOR DETAILS . . .
Note: See previous MAC Reporter Online stories for 2025 MAC team season previews.
Western Michigan at Michigan State (7 p.m., FS1)
The Spartans went 5-7 overall in Jonathan Smith's first year as head coach. Although they won just two of their last nine games, there was improvement in some areas.
• Quarterback Aidan Chiles is back and looked better later in the campaign. If his continued improement through spring ball and into the fall can translate to games, the Spartans offense should be improved.
Sophomore Nick Marsh is back after catching 41 passes for 649 yards. Seveal transfers are also in the wideout mix. Jack Velling returns at tight end.
Transfers will also play a big part in MSU's offensive line as Michigan State tries to get its struggling ground game untracked.
• Alex VanSumeren and Jalen Thompson anchor a Spartan D-line that was very good against the run. Such was not the case in rushing the passer, so MSU hopes to improve in that area this season. Isaac Smith (Texas Tech) may help.
Safties Nikai Martinez and Malik Spencer -- both seniors -- return in the secondary. Jordan Hall and Darius Snow picked up experience in 2024.
• Place kicker Jonathan Kim (NFL) is gone. Punter Ryan Eckley has earned All-Big Ten honors the past two seasons.
Western Michigan at Michigan State (7 p.m., FS1)
The Spartans went 5-7 overall in Jonathan Smith's first year as head coach. Although they won just two of their last nine games, there was improvement in some areas.
• Quarterback Aidan Chiles is back and looked better later in the campaign. If his continued improement through spring ball and into the fall can translate to games, the Spartans offense should be improved.
Sophomore Nick Marsh is back after catching 41 passes for 649 yards. Seveal transfers are also in the wideout mix. Jack Velling returns at tight end.
Transfers will also play a big part in MSU's offensive line as Michigan State tries to get its struggling ground game untracked.
• Alex VanSumeren and Jalen Thompson anchor a Spartan D-line that was very good against the run. Such was not the case in rushing the passer, so MSU hopes to improve in that area this season. Isaac Smith (Texas Tech) may help.
Safties Nikai Martinez and Malik Spencer -- both seniors -- return in the secondary. Jordan Hall and Darius Snow picked up experience in 2024.
• Place kicker Jonathan Kim (NFL) is gone. Punter Ryan Eckley has earned All-Big Ten honors the past two seasons.
Central Michigan at San Jose State (10:30, FS1)
• The Spartans adopted well to a run-and-shoot offense last year, finishing first among Mountain West teams in passing (321.8 ypg) Quarterback Walter Eget, who had several big games in the second half of 2024, returns. However, WR Nick Nash (NFL, Falcons) is gone after providing 1,382 yards and 16 TDs for SJSU last year. The latter topped all receivers on FBS teams.
• Running back Floyd Chalk IV registered 721 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. He -- and Eget -- will both benefit from an experienced line.
• Defensively, the Spartans return seven starters -- five up front.
• San Jose State was particularly tough against the run. The linebackers are an SJSU strength, led by Jordan Pollard, along with Taniela Latu, Ethan Powell and Noah McNeal-Franklin.
Isiah Revis earned MW honors but transfers hit the secondary pretty hard.
• Mathias Brown will take over placekicking duties this year. Trent Carrizosa returns after averaging 43.2 yards per boot in 2024.
• The Spartans adopted well to a run-and-shoot offense last year, finishing first among Mountain West teams in passing (321.8 ypg) Quarterback Walter Eget, who had several big games in the second half of 2024, returns. However, WR Nick Nash (NFL, Falcons) is gone after providing 1,382 yards and 16 TDs for SJSU last year. The latter topped all receivers on FBS teams.
• Running back Floyd Chalk IV registered 721 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. He -- and Eget -- will both benefit from an experienced line.
• Defensively, the Spartans return seven starters -- five up front.
• San Jose State was particularly tough against the run. The linebackers are an SJSU strength, led by Jordan Pollard, along with Taniela Latu, Ethan Powell and Noah McNeal-Franklin.
Isiah Revis earned MW honors but transfers hit the secondary pretty hard.
• Mathias Brown will take over placekicking duties this year. Trent Carrizosa returns after averaging 43.2 yards per boot in 2024.
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