Michigan State football: 2025 schedule and key games
Michigan State football’s schedule and key games for the 2025 season.
Michigan State football opens its 2025 season Friday at Spartan Stadium against in-state Mid-American Conference foe Western Michigan (7 p.m., FS1) in Week 1 of the college football season.
The Spartans enter Year 2 under coach Jonathan Smith and quarterback Aidan Chiles, after a 5-7 season ended with no bowl following a 41-14 shellacking in the finale against Rutgers at Spartan Stadium.
Now, after an offseason of more roster turnover, how will MSU look in its first game? Remember, MSU eked out a 16-10 win over Florida Atlantic in the 2024 opener.
Four Free Press sports writers make their picks for the game between the Spartans and Broncos:
Michigan State vs Western Michigan football predictions
Chris Solar
The Spartans’ offensive line sets the tone by punishing the Broncos in the trenches to create running room. That allows Aidan Chiles to use his full cadre of skill players, including transfer Omari Kelly, and the defense shows growth by making life miserable all night for both WMU quarterbacks. The pick: Michigan State 38, Western Michigan 10.
Jeff Seidel
I think we are going to see an improved Aidan Chiles, one who will take care of the ball and get the offense rolling. One of the things I’ll be watching? How effectively will the Spartans protect Chiles? And how consistently can the Spartans open holes in the running game? The pick: Michigan State 31, Western Michigan 20.
Carlos Monarrez
Quarterback Aidan Chiles worked to be more dialed this offseason after his infamous “I no longer care about the fans” comment late last season. Sometimes that intensity works, sometimes it’s too intense. We’ll get our first look at the iffy kicking game and all those new transfer receivers in what should be walk against the Broncos as the Spartans begin their quest to end a three-year bowl drought. The pick: Michigan State 34, Western Michigan 17.
Shawn Windsor
The Spartans added speed on the outside of the offense and presumably beef — and strength — on the inside. The combo should give Aidan Chiles more targets and more time. And if his decision-making takes a second-year leap? MSU will have itself a very serious quarterback. The pick: Michigan State 29, Western Michigan 16.
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