Northwestern faces former coach Pat Fitzgerald in key Big Ten road test at Michigan State

When Northwestern travels to East Lansing on Oct. 17, the Wildcats will face a familiar face on the opposing sideline: former head coach Pat Fitzgerald, now leading Michigan State. The matchup also pits Northwestern's likely starting quarterback against his former team, adding extra intrigue to a critical Big Ten road game.

For Iowa football fans, this game offers a glimpse into the evolving Big Ten landscape, where coaching changes and transfer portal moves are reshaping conference rivalries. Fitzgerald, who led Northwestern to multiple bowl games, now aims to rebuild a Michigan State program that stumbled to a 4-8 record in 2025.

Michigan State's 2025 season: a steep decline

The Spartans started 2025 with three straight wins but then lost eight consecutive games, finishing 1-8 in Big Ten play. Quarterback Aidan Chiles was replaced by Alessio Milivojevic due to injury, and head coach Jonathan Smith was fired after two seasons. Michigan State ranked 17th in the Big Ten and was widely considered one of the conference's weakest teams.

Pat Fitzgerald's return to the Big Ten

Fitzgerald, who spent 16 seasons at Northwestern, was hired to revive the Spartans. He brought longtime Northwestern offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian to East Lansing, but Bajakian will not call plays. Instead, Nick Sheridan, a Kalen DeBoer protégé, will serve as offensive coordinator, likely implementing an intermediate-to-deep passing attack.

Milivojevic returns as the starting quarterback after showing promise in limited action. He has only four career FBS starts, but his small sample size has generated optimism among Spartan fans.

Running back room crowded with transfers

Michigan State's running back group features three returners and four incoming transfers. UConn transfer Cam Edwards is expected to be the primary back, but Iowa transfer Jaziun Patterson, returner Brandon Tullis, and Western Kentucky transfer Marvis Parrish could all see carries. Parrish, who had over 100 scrimmage plays as a true freshman, is a player to watch.

Tight end and wide receiver questions

The Spartans have no tight ends with meaningful Division I FBS or FCS experience. Division II transfer Carson Gulker, who caught 34 passes for 548 yards and seven touchdowns last season, is the most intriguing option. Gulker, a former quarterback, also rushed for 541 yards and five touchdowns in 2025. If his game translates to the Big Ten, he could be a major weapon.

At wide receiver, Michigan State lost its top two options: Nick Marsh transferred to Indiana, and Omari Kelly entered the NFL draft. The Spartans did not heavily pursue wide receivers in the transfer portal, leaving the position group with significant uncertainty.

Offensive line turnover

Michigan State's offensive line saw 10 players log meaningful snaps in 2025, but seven are gone. Conner Moore, who played over 90% of snaps at both tackle spots, returns and will anchor the line. North Dakota State center transfer Trent Fraley, a highly accomplished FCS player, is expected to start.

Defensive strength at linebacker

Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi remains from the previous staff, and the strength of the defense should be linebacker. Tackle leader Jordan Hall returns and is joined by Auburn transfer Caleb Wheatland, who led Maryland in sacks in 2024. This unit is expected to be the backbone of the Spartans' defense.

The defensive line and secondary face major turnover. Michigan State lost its top four defensive tackles and four of its five edge rushers from 2025. The secondary is almost entirely new, with four transfers and Nikai Martinez returning from injury projected as the five starters. The cornerback room looks stronger than the safety room, but depth remains a concern.

What this means for Iowa football fans

For Iowa, this game is a chance to see how the Big Ten's new coaching carousel and transfer portal dynamics play out. Fitzgerald's return to the conference adds a layer of drama, and the Spartans' roster turnover makes them a wild card. Northwestern, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on Michigan State's rebuilding phase.

The matchup also highlights the importance of quarterback play and roster continuity in the modern college football landscape. With both teams searching for consistency, the Oct. 17 game in East Lansing could be a pivotal moment in the Big Ten season.