MSU Spartans Add Former Hawkeye to Explosive Big Ten Roster
Michigan State is gearing up for a thrilling athletic season, and Iowa fans have a local reason to keep an eye on the Spartans. Former Hawkeye running back Jaziun Patterson is heading to East Lansing, joining a roster loaded with playmakers. As the Spartans prepare for their football opener against Toledo exactly two months from July 4, the program features several athletes ready to make major noise in the Big Ten across football, basketball, and hockey.
How will former Hawkeye Jaziun Patterson fit into MSU's football backfield?
The biggest storyline for Iowa fans is how Patterson fits into a crowded and talented running back room. The spotlight in East Lansing, however, falls on UConn transfer Cam Edwards. Edwards was one of the most productive running backs in the FBS last season, racking up 1,240 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Those impressive numbers ranked 15th and tied for 13th nationally.
Edwards brings serious big-play ability to the field. He recorded a run of at least 20 yards in eight of UConn's 13 games, including a 73-yard dash against Central Connecticut State, a 67-yard run against Ball State, and a 51-yard carry against Delaware.
According to PFF, Edwards forced 49 missed tackles last year. That is nearly as many as MSU's top three returning backs combined, who tallied 51. Edwards also logged 28 rushes of 10 or more yards and picked up 67 first downs. He is MSU's highest-rated player in the College Football 27 video game at a 90 overall. While Patterson, Brandon Tullis, and Western Kentucky transfer Marvis Parrish provide solid depth and competition, Edwards remains the clear top option right now.
Can Coen Carr carry the Spartans basketball team with his high-flying offense?
On the hardwood, Coen Carr is the kind of player who can shift momentum in a heartbeat. He is arguably the most exciting player in college basketball today. Watching Carr on a fast break is like watching your favorite movie scene; you know exactly what is coming, but you still lean forward in anticipation.
Carr dominated the rim last season, recording 67 dunks across 35 games, according to Torvik. That averages nearly two dunks per game, accounting for 31.8 percent of his total points. His elite athleticism is rare for the MSU program, and it might be a long time before the Spartans see another player like him. Carr could probably win next year's NBA Dunk Contest if the league allowed a college player to compete against the pros.
The next crucial step for Carr is developing his three-point shot. He started shooting from deep more frequently last season but connected on just 27.6 percent of his attempts. If he can raise that number into the mid-to-high 30s, Carr will shoot up NBA draft boards, even in an era where the league often prefers younger, one-and-done prospects.
Will Ryker Lee lead MSU hockey to a Big Ten four-peat?
MSU hockey is building an absolute powerhouse. The Spartans are set to roster an incredible 10 first-round picks for the 2026-27 season. Among them is Ryker Lee, who the Nashville Predators selected 26th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Lee is preparing for his sophomore season with elite stick-handling and creativity in the offensive zone. Every time he touches the puck, something exciting feels imminent, especially when defenses give him room to operate. He can score a spin-o-rama goal one shift and weave through multiple defensemen the next.
As MSU's top returning player, Lee posted 15 goals and 15 assists for 30 points last season. He hopes to lead the Spartans to their fourth consecutive Big Ten regular-season championship. However, the program is still fighting to end its Frozen Four and national title droughts, which date back to 2007.
Who is the top-rated MSU player in College Football 27?
Running back Cam Edwards is the Spartans' top-rated player with a 90 overall rating in the new College Football 27 video game.
How many dunks did Coen Carr have last season?
Coen Carr recorded 67 dunks across 35 games last season, averaging nearly two per game and accounting for 31.8 percent of his total points.
How many first-round picks are on the MSU hockey roster?
The MSU hockey team is set to roster 10 first-round picks for the 2026-27 season, making them a formidable force in the Big Ten.