Spartans 2026 Season Preview | Michigan State Spartans Football News

Michigan State football is just 44 days away from kickoff against Toledo, and the Spartans are transforming under new head coach Pat Fitzgerald—with a roster loaded with fresh faces ready to make waves. Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, who threw for 900+ yards and 7 TDs last season, leads the offense, backed by UConn transfer Cam Edwards, a top-15 rusher nationally. The receiving corps gets a boost with Notre Dame’s KK Smith and Ferris State’s versatile Carson Gulker, dubbed a “Swiss Army Knife.” The offensive line is upgraded with Ben Murawski (elite run blocker) and Trent Fraley (top FCS talent). Defensively, Eli Coenen joins Ben Roberts on the line, while Kenny Soares Jr. brings Fitzgerald’s trust as a rush end. Jordan Hall returns at linebacker, joined by Buffalo’s Dion Crawford. The secondary features Charles Brantley, Tre Bell (Iowa State), and Michael Richard (Louisiana Tech), with Nikai Martinez back at safety. Special teams are handled by Liam Boyd (kicker) and Rhys Dakin (punter), both portal additions. The 2026 Spartans are poised for a breakout season. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/62746c7e3b425f79