Michigan State's 2026 Rebuild: What Iowa Fans Should Know
The Big Ten has dominated college football for three straight years, but Michigan State is still searching for its way back into the conversation. As Iowa fans look ahead to the 2026 landscape, the Spartans are rolling the dice on a new head coach and a young quarterback who showed flashes of real talent late last season.
A Rough 2025 Campaign in East Lansing
Simply put, Michigan State was a disappointment in 2025. Oregon State transfer Aidan Chiles was supposed to jumpstart the offense, and things looked promising early with three straight non-conference wins. Then Big Ten play started, and everything fell apart.
Chiles threw 14 interceptions in the half of the season he started, and the Spartans limped to eight consecutive conference losses. Iowa fans might remember the tight matchup between the Hawkeyes and the Spartans last year. That game was part of the stretch that convinced former head coach Jonathon Smith to give backup Alessio Milivojevic a shot.
Milivojevic didn't win against Minnesota, but he threw for 311 yards and showed real promise. His breakout came in the season finale against Maryland. In a 38-28 win at Ford Field, the young quarterback threw for 292 yards and four touchdowns. That performance gave Spartans fans something to hang their hats on heading into the offseason.
Pat Fitzgerald Takes the Helm
Michigan State made a splash by hiring Pat Fitzgerald as their new head coach. Fitzgerald brings serious Big Ten credentials to the job. He was the longest-tenured coach in Northwestern history and was a standout defensive player during his own college days.
Skeptics might question whether Fitzgerald is the right fit for a full rebuild, but his track record in the conference speaks for itself. His expectations for 2026 are straightforward. He wants Milivojevic to keep developing and this young roster to start building some real chemistry.
Offensive Player to Watch: Chrishon McCray
While Milivojevic will grab the headlines, wide receiver Chrishon McCray might be the most important piece of this offense. The former Kent State product is stepping into the void left by Nick Marsh, who transferred to Indiana.
McCray only had 24 catches last season, but three of them went for touchdowns. With Marsh gone, this is now McCray's offense to lead. How quickly he and Milivojevic build a connection could determine how competitive Michigan State is in conference play.
Defensive Player to Watch: Jordan Hall
Linebacker Jordan Hall is the veteran anchor of this defense. He led the team with 88 total tackles last year and added an interception. More importantly, Hall has become the emotional leader of this squad. He battled through several injuries last season and chose to stay in East Lansing for the start of Fitzgerald's rebuild.
That kind of loyalty matters, especially when a program is trying to turn things around. Hall's decision to stick around could prove pivotal for a defense that needs stability.
Does Iowa Face Michigan State in 2026?
Iowa does not face Michigan State in the regular season this year. However, the two programs could still meet in a postseason bowl game or, in a less likely scenario, the College Football Playoff.
For Hawkeye fans tracking the Big Ten landscape, Michigan State's rebuild under Fitzgerald is still worth watching. The Spartans have talent, and how quickly they gel could have ripple effects across the conference standings.