Michigan State’s depth chart remains private as the Spartans prepare for a season-opening test against Western Michigan
Michigan State is entering coach Jonathan Smith’s second season with a mix of cautious optimism and practical questions, and Smith has chosen not to release a public depth chart. The Spartans will host Western Michigan on Friday night (7 p.m. ET, FS1) in East Lansing, stepping into the new year with a few health concerns and ongoing position battles that could shape how the rotation looks for Week 1.
Injury and health updates
– No season-ending injuries were reported coming out of fall camp, but several players carry lingering concerns.
– Kicking duties are unsettled, with Tarik Ahmetbasic and Martin Connington both dealing with groin injuries. Ahmetbasic is listed as a game-time decision, with Blake Sislo, a former Division II walk-on who has yet to play in a college game, as the next option if Ahmetbasic cannot go. There’s also talk of using different players for kickoff and placekicking against the Broncos.
– Safety Nikai Martinez was limited in fall camp due to an undisclosed issue and is also a game-time decision. Tight end Jack Velling has recently returned to practice and is expected to be ready to go. Long snapper Kaden Schickel is questionable while recovering from a torn ACL last fall.
– True freshman running back Jace Clarizio has dealt with a calf injury that limited reps and is questionable for Friday as his role could grow over the season.
– The overall health status should become clearer once pregame availability updates are released Friday night.
Projected depth chart (paraphrased by position)
Quarterback
– Starter: Aidan Chiles
– Backup: Alessio Milivojevic
– Others of note: Ryland Jessee, Leo Hannan
Comment: Chiles faces the challenge of taking a major step forward in his second season as a starter, now a junior. The Spartans believe they’ve upgraded at receiver and will rely on cleaner decision-making and more consistency from the signal-caller.
Running back
– Starter: Makhi Frazier
– Backup: Brandon Tullis
– Others of note: Elijah Tau-Tolliver, Jace Clarizio
Comment: The job appears open behind Frazier, with a roughly even rotation anticipated between Frazier and Tullis. Tau-Tolliver, a veteran transfer, is also part of a backfield that needs to prove itself.
Wide receiver
– Starters: Nick Marsh, Omari Kelly, Rodney Bullard
– Backups: Chrishon McCray, Evan Boyd, Alante Brown
– Others of note: Braylon Collier, Charles Taplin
Comment: Marsh is coming off a standout true freshman season and should see plenty of targets. Kelly has earned the starting outside spot opposite Marsh, while the slot rotation between Bullard and McCray remains a point of emphasis. Freshman Collier has made early practice impressions.
Tight end
– Starter: Jack Velling
– Backups: Michael Masunas, Brennan Parachek
– Others of note: Jayden Savoury (true freshman), Kai Rios
Comment: Velling led the unit last season and is a key piece in the passing game, with Masunas and Parachek returning with starting experience.
Offensive line
– Starters: LT Stanton Ramil, LG Kristian Phillips, C Matt Gulbin, RG Luka Vincic, RT Conner Moore
– Backups: OG Gavin Broscious, OT Ashton Lepo
– Others of note: OT Rustin Young, C Cooper Terpstra, OT/C Rakeem Johnson, OG Caleb Carter
Comment: Ramil and Gulbin appear solid, but guard and right tackle remain areas of competition. Smith said he wants to solidify a first five, yet seven to eight players have earned opportunities and could rotate.
Defensive tackle
– Starters: Alex VanSumeren, Grady Kelly
– Backups: Ben Roberts, Ru’Quan Buckley
– Others of note: Jalen Satchell, Derrick Simmons, Mikeshun Beeler
Comment: The unit has depth and mobility, with VanSumeren and Kelly ready to log heavy snaps as rotation needs grow.
Defensive end
– Starters: Jalen Thompson, David Santiago
– Backups: Quindarius Dunnigan, Isaac Smith
– Others of note: Cam Williams, Anelu Lafaele, Tyler Gillison, Kekai Burnett
Comment: Thompson returns as a reliable edge option, while the staff expects internal competition to push the group to ramp up pass rush production.
Linebacker
– Starters: Jordan Hall, Wayne Matthews, Darius Snow
– Backups: Marcellius Pulliam, Brady Pretzlaff, Semaj Bridgeman
– Others of note: Aisea Moa, Sam Edwards
Comment: Experience is abundant, and there’s a sense of depth behind the starting trio. The absence of Cal Haladay (No. 27) in the middle is noted, but the group is expected to be solid.
Cornerback
– Starters: Joshua Eaton, Chance Rucker
– Backups: Malcolm Bell, Aydan West, Ade Willie
– Others of note: NiJhay Burt, Jeremiah Hughes, Anthony Pinnace, Dontavius Nash, Andrew Brinson
Comment: The rebuilt corner group has new and returning pieces, including Rucker’s return from injury and Eaton’s length and experience.
Safety/nickelback
– Starters: Malik Spencer, Nikai Martinez, Ade Willie
– Backups: Armorion Smith, Justin Denson
– Others of note: Tracy Revels, Khalil Majeed, Aveon Grose
Comment: Martinez’s availability is a key variable. If he can’t go, Smith and Denson are the likely next men up, with Willie anchoring the nickel position.
Special teams
– K: Tarik Ahmetbasic or Blake Sislo
– P: Ryan Eckley
– LS: Kaden Schickel or Jack Velling
– KR: Alante Brown
– PR: Omari Kelly
Comment: The kicking picture is unsettled, but Eckley remains a reliable punter. If Schickel can’t play, Velling would handle long snapping. Return duties are still being sorted, but the Spartans have experienced options in the backfield and skill positions.
What to watch Friday
– How Chiles handles a second season as starter, and whether the offense benefits from improvements at receiver.
– The running back rotation and whether Frazier or Tullis emerges as the preferred starter.
– The effectiveness of the new-looking secondary and how they fare against Western Michigan’s to-be-determined game plan.
– The kicking situation and whether Ahmetbasic can go, or if Sislo or another option steps in to stabilize special teams.
– The overall health picture and whether any late-week updates affect the planned rotation.
A note from the coaching staff
Smith has emphasized competition and consistency, choosing not to divulge a public depth chart to maintain flexibility and keep opponents guessing. With several players dealing with minor injuries and a handful of position battles still in flux, Friday’s game should provide a clearer picture of how MSU intends to deploy its depth in a bid to improve upon last season’s performance.
Summary and outlook
MSU enters the season with a competitive depth chart and a few key health questions that could influence early-game decisions. If Chiles takes another meaningful step and the receiving corps translates offseason additions into consistent production, the Spartans could establish a reliable core on offense. On defense, the combination of returning starters and an experienced group across the front seven should help MSU rotate effectively and keep pace with a Western Michigan squad that will provide a solid early test. The Friday night matchup will offer a first read on how well the pieces fit together and what adjustments Smith might deploy as the season unfolds.
Positive note
There is optimism in East Lansing that the depth and experience across multiple positions, plus the potential for a more polished passing attack, can help MSU compete in a demanding early schedule and build confidence as the season progresses.