Michigan State’s Jonathan Smith Takes Major Hit on Big Ten Coaches Ranking

Smith is entering his second season in East Lansing. He had a 5-7 overall record in 2024, which isn't news to Michigan State fans who have seen their team finish with a losing record for the most part over the past seven years. However, Smith is supposed to be rebuilding the Spartans program. Though that doesn't happen in a one-season span, CBS Sports doesn't think the Michigan State head coach can compare to many others in the Big Ten.

Cody Nagel put Smith at No. 13 behind No. 10 Washington's Jedd Fisch, No. 11 Wisconsin's Luke Fickell, and No. 12 Rutgers' Greg Schiano. He's only one spot ahead of Purdue's Barry Odom. So, clearly, Smith is in the bottom tier. It can't be too shocking considering the 5-7 overall and 3-6 Big Ten records.

What's more eye-catching, though, is that Smith was ranked in the top 10 at No. 7 before even coaching his first season at Michigan State. He and Fickell dropped the farthest compared to their rankings in ahead of the 2024-25 season. Wisconsin's head coach was at No. 5 in the Big Ten and, like Smith, dropped down six spots.

Smith isn't so much on the hot seat for the Spartans, but production needs to come sooner rather than later. He needs this season to show a little improvement to prove his rebuilding efforts are making a difference slowly but surely. Ideally, Michigan State needs to be in the winning column of overall records.