Key losses: Sam Leavitt, Maliq Carr Key additions: Aidan Chiles, Jack Velling
This may seem absurdly high for the Spartans after a 2-7 conference record in 2023 which included a bizarre coaching situation. Well, Michigan State wiped the slate clean of the Mel Tucker era and while the Big Ten left Oregon State out in the Pac-12, the conference did take the Beavers’ head coach.
Jonathan Smith will quickly build a contender in East Lansing and he already has the foundation with quarterback Aidan Chiles, who came with him from Corvallis. After sitting behind D.J. Uiagalelei last season, Chiles will be an impact player in the conference from Year 1 and that raises the ceiling for a roster that is still questionable.