New Michigan State HC confident in the future of his quarterback room

On the outside, it may seem that new Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith is inheriting a bleak quarterback situation in East Lansing.

All three Michigan State quarterbacks from this past season — Noah Kim, Katin Houser and Sam Leavitt — have entered the transfer portal.

Smith is essentially starting from scratch at the position (though 2024 three-star quarterback Henry Hasselbeck is still committed) but he doesn't seem bothered. At least that was the impression he gave off in his introductory news conference.

“I think we are going to run a style of play that the quarterback can have some real, real success,” Smith said, per On3. “I think being the starting quarterback at Michigan State is an unbelievable opportunity, and that opportunity is there for who’s in our locker room starting in January.”

Smith and his new Michigan State staff will have to quickly hit the transfer portal to see if he can bring in some talent for 2024 and beyond. He mentioned that he understands why players like Kim, Houser and Leavitt are leaving — especially in the wake of the scandal that got former head coach Mel Tucker fired — but he feels he can provide a good opportunity for the few who choose to commit to what his new vision for MSU will be.

"We really support those that want to be in that locker room in January,” Smith said. “I’ve got a firm belief we can hit the ground running and do something special.”

To his point about quarterbacks, Smith does have something to sell. His Oregon State team scored 33.8 points per game this past season. If he can successfully bring that system to the Big Ten, he should immediately have the Spartans back on the map.

For context, Michigan has scored 37.6 points per game this season and Ohio State has scored 32.8.