Anonymous Big Ten coach feels Michigan State could be the most improved program in 2025

Michigan State improved by a game last fallin their debut under Jonathan Smith but, that said, finished with a losing record for the third straight season. Coaches around the conference, though, think the Spartans could take a step in his second season in being bowl-eligible.

In Athlon Sports’ preview magazine, anonymous coaches in the league spoke about the other programs in the Big Ten. Michigan State was referenced as a program that’s getting better, even making the case as most-improved in the conference this season, in year two with their blueprint under Smith

Jonathan) Smith is applying a very steady plan here,” they said. “They’re not going to make a huge splash; they’re just going to improve steadily. He’s got a blueprint that worked for him at Oregon State.”

If you’re looking for a most improved program this season, these guys might be it,” said another.

For reference, Smith spent six seasons at Oregon State where he improved the program over time. The Beavers went 9-22 (.290) over his first three years before going 25-13 (.658) over the last three, including one of their best records in school history at 10-3 in 2022. That kind of improvement he had over seasons in Corvallis is what the Spartans are now hoping to see this season in East Lansing.

To these anonymous coaches, this is about an overall improvement at Michigan State. They have to rework several things, especially defensively, roster-wise as a whole but, if they’re going to make that shift, there’s also going to need to be individual improvement from QB Aidan Chiles, who completed just 59.4% of his throws while totaling 16 touchdowns and 15 turnovers.