On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The Michigan State Spartans are in desperate need of an improved season in 2025 after multiple years of turmoil. One thing that is helping their chances of success is the strong group of returning impact players that have witnessed this program's struggles and are hungry for a better year.
In a recent report, the Spartans were ranked as one of the top teams in the Big Ten in terms of returning production for next season. Despite struggling heavily against a very tough Big Ten schedule last year, Michigan State's veteran leaders have a chance to right the ship.
Cody Nagel of 247Sports released a list ranking all 18 Big Ten teams in terms of their volume of "returning starters" for the 2025 season. He has Michigan State tied for No. 7 with nine impact starters making a return to the program this fall.
Nagel listed five offensive starters, including junior quarterback Aidan Chiles, sophomore wide out Nick Marsh, senior tight end Jack Velling, junior right tackle Stanton Ramil and senior left tackle Ashton Lepo.
"Michigan State remains optimistic that Aidan Chiles can take the next step at quarterback," Nagel wrote. "The former Oregon State transfer struggled at times in his first season as a starter in 2024, throwing just 13 touchdown passes against 11 interceptions. However, some familiarity with two of his top targets — wideout Nick Marsh and tight end Jack Velling, who also followed coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State — could help steady his development."
Four defenders made the list, starting with senior defensive linemen Jalen Thompson and Alex Vansumeren, and senior safeties Malik Spener and Nikai Martinez. The Spartans have some veteran returners that are hungry for a bounce-back season from the Spartans' 5-7 record last year.
Nagel's rankings had three other programs tied for seventh place with nine returners. Ohio State, Nebraska, and Wisconsin are all bringing back multiple key players and will be among the teams at the top of the conference. The Spartans are seeking to keep pace with the upper echelon.
The Spartans will have several fourth or fifth-year players in their starting rotation this season, which is a major plus for must-win conference contests. Chiles, Velling and Marsh are entering their second seasons on campus, giving them more comfort in their roles this season.
Make sure that you follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our electric community group, Go Green Go White, as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
More must-reads:
- Sherrone Moore says Michigan will do away with controversial celebration
- Browns make curious decision with rookie QB Shedeur Sanders
- The 'NBA Summer League MVPs' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Nick Saban Reveals Unexpected Job That Almost Made Him Return to Coaching as Rumors Run Rampant
Brent Venables just sent a powerful message to the rest of the SEC that should be putting everyone on notice
2024 was an ugly season for the Oklahoma Sooners, with a six-win season being one of the worst they have had in a very long time. Under Brent Venables, the Sooners have had two losing seasons. Before that, the Sooners hadn't had a losing season since the late 1990s. But, you don't need me to remind you of all of that -- you know how bad it has been the last three years, with one of the only bright spots being the win over Texas a few years ago. But now, they are prepping for the fourth season under Venables, the first with new general manager Jim Nagy, and the second season in the SEC. Their first season was embarrassing. So, it would be in their best interest not to have a repeat of that, or better yet, not a season similar to that at all, because then it starts to look like they don't belong in the SEC. And I think we all know that they do, especially when you stack up the history and prestige of the program vs. any other in the conference. The recent success hasn't been there, but that doesn't mean it won't come. In fact, the Sooners think it will come. They plan to be in the SEC Championship, or at least to compete for it. Sooners have plans to compete for SEC Championship "Our plan is to compete for an SEC Championship. ... We like where we're at right now," Venables said this week at the luncheon. Venables doesn't usually talk like that, or at least he really hasn't this offseason. After last year, Venables has taken a much more careful approach in terms of what he says in the media and the vibes he gives off. Ask any media member covering this team, and it feels like the approach they have taken is that they are better than last year, and not that they are an elite team by any means. This comment kind of goes against that, and it's Venables letting everyone know he means business. There are so many people counting out the Sooners and downplaying everything they have done in the offseason. But Venables, man, he is very confident on this team. And, in a way, he has to be. If he has a repeat of last year, he's gone, and I'm not sure that's news to anyone. Venables is sending a message to the rest of the SEC that they are not a team that is just going to lie down and roll over. This team is going into 2025 with the championship on their mind, just when no one thinks they can get there.
Five potential landing spots for Christian Wilkins after stunning Raiders release
The Las Vegas Raiders just stunned the league by releasing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins after only one year with the team. After signing a four-year, $110 million contract, he struggled with injuries in 2024. This was supposed to be a big bounce-back year for Wilkins, but after a dispute between the two sides in regard to how to handle his foot injury, the team decided it was best to part ways. Now, a premier interior disruptor is suddenly available. Assuming his medicals get checked out soon, there should be a lot of interest around the league. Where should he land? Dallas Cowboys Dallas has needed a dominant interior presence for quite some time. Osa Odighizuwa is an awesome threat, but he is only solid against the run. Alongside him, the team will be banking heavily on 2023 first-rounder Mazi Smith, who has been disappointing so far. With Dallas looking to return to the playoffs, adding a stud like Wilkins could give Dallas one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. San Francisco 49ers The 49ers added some young bodies in CJ West and Alfred Collins, yet neither offer a proven, all-around talent like Wilkins could if healthy. The 49ers defensive line was horrid outside of Nick Bosa in 2024, but by adding Wilkins, the team would now have a solid cast of starters with Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Wilkins and Kevin Givens/Jordan Elliott. Miami Dolphins A return to Miami makes a ton of sense for both sides. The Dolphins know exactly how to use Wilkins, he knows the building and players, and the transition would be very easy. Miami needs help in the interior defensive line; by plugging Wilkins back into his old role, he could offer the quickest path to high-level impact. Detroit Lions With Levi Onwuzurike out with injury and Detroit needing more juice on the defensive line, adding a proven disruptor like Wilkins could make some sense. He could provide more depth while he gets fully healthy, and he can join a legit Super Bowl contender. His energy and mentality could be a good fit for a Dan Campbell-led squad. Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars defense is average in the interior, but they have excellent edge-rushers who would benefit greatly from a strong disruptor up the middle. Wilkins could balance the front, help in the run defense and allow more one-on-ones for their premier edge-rushers. For a team that wants to return to the playoffs as soon as possible, adding a veteran like Wilkins could be a worthy bet to make.
Steelers rookie Will Howard may have already moved up the depth chart
Pittsburgh Steelers training camp is in full swing, and it’s already been full of excitement. With many new faces on the roster, fans are eager to see how these additions will fit in. After a busy and eventful offseason, training camp serves as the perfect opportunity for all the anticipation surrounding the team to start coming together on the field. One of the most talked-about positions for the Steelers this offseason has been quarterback. The team completely overhauled the position, leading to plenty of uncertainty and speculation early on. While the Steelers were strongly linked to Aaron Rodgers for some time, no official deal had been made by the start of the 2025 NFL Draft. Amid the uncertainty, the team made a bold decision by selecting Will Howard out of Ohio State, bringing in a new face and creating even more talk about the future of the position. Because the Steelers picked Howard late in the draft, there were questions about what his role on the team would be. Even before Rodgers signed, it was clear Howard wouldn’t be the starter. However, during a recent 7 shots drill, Howard unexpectedly took reps with the third team, raising more questions about where he might fit in. Rodgers is clearly locked in as the starting quarterback, with the hope that he can stay healthy throughout the entire season. Earlier in the offseason, he mentioned that this would likely be his final year, though he expressed excitement about the opportunity to play for a franchise like the Steelers. That said, Rodgers has always been unpredictable, and there’s still a chance his career may continue beyond this season. Regardless of what the future holds, his experience and football knowledge are incredibly valuable to the other quarterbacks on the roster, and they’ve made it clear how much they appreciate having him around. Mason Rudolph is expected to be the primary backup behind Rodgers this season. Rudolph was originally drafted by the Steelers and has spent most of his career in Pittsburgh as a dependable backup. However, he’s also shown he can step up when needed, filling in during important games and leading the team when called upon. Rudolph spent last season with the Tennessee Titans, gaining additional experience outside of Pittsburgh. After that brief stint, he re-signed with the Steelers early in the offseason, bringing familiarity, veteran presence and stability to the quarterback room behind Rodgers. Rudolph recently shared that Rodgers has been both incredibly helpful and genuinely friendly since joining the team. Many expected Skylar Thompson, another veteran backup the Steelers signed this offseason, to be next in line on the depth chart. However, with Howard now taking third-team reps, he could move up the depth chart as the season progresses. Rookies bring an element of unpredictability since they’re adjusting to a completely new environment and haven’t yet played in professional games. It’s hard to know how they’ll perform until they get real field experience. If Howard continues to perform well, there’s no reason he shouldn’t climb higher on the depth chart. It’s unlikely that Howard will get much playing time this year, but that doesn’t mean this season isn’t important for him. Learning from a player like Rodgers is incredibly valuable, and Howard has shared how grateful he is to have Rodgers as a mentor. Even if he doesn’t take the field this season, the experience and knowledge he gains behind the scenes could greatly influence his opportunities for playing time down the road. Steelers' future at QB likely isn't on the roster The Steelers were connected to several quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, and the situation drew plenty of attention due to the uncertainty surrounding Rodgers at the time. Although the team eventually signed Rodgers and selected Howard in the later rounds, it seems the search for a long-term franchise quarterback may still be ongoing. Rodgers is only on a one-year deal, and reports have already surfaced that the Steelers are eyeing next year’s quarterback draft class. Opinions on Howard vary, as some view him as a potential career backup, while others are optimistic about his upside and believe he could develop into a solid starting option in the future. Will Howard prove himself and continue to move up the depth chart?
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan leaves behind a complicated legacy
On Thursday, wrestling icon Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea died at the age of 71. "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," the company said in a statement. "One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s... WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans." Hogan was the first true superstar to emerge in the wrestling industry, capturing a casual audience worldwide and bringing new eyes to the sport. He was an unbelievable draw, both as a baby face and as a heel. From his time as an All-American hero to leading the New World Order and teaming with Randy Savage as part of the "Mega Powers," he has been a staple of the scene for decades. Who can forget his WrestleMania III moment, where he defied the laws of physics to body-slam a 520-pound Andre the Giant? Or, more recently, his match with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at WrestleMania 18? His last appearance on WWE RAW on Jan. 6 saw him booed throughout, highlighting the rocky legacy Hogan leaves behind. Hogan's universal popularity has plummeted in recent years, primarily due to a racism scandal that led to his removal from the Wrestling Hall of Fame, only to be reinstated in 2018. Nevertheless, the damage had been done. Hogan's outdated and unwelcome outlook on specific aspects of life derailed the final stanza of a legendary career. Still, there's no denying that without Hogan, the wrestling we know and love today wouldn't exist. There wouldn't be WWE on the world's largest streaming platform, or All Elite Wrestling, which is developing into one of the most successful challenger brands. Instead, there would be smaller, more localized promotions, all competing for a sliver of television time. Hogan popularized the sport by bridging the gap between the wrestling ring and Hollywood. During his time in the spotlight, Hogan appeared in movies such as "Rocky III," "No Holds Barred" and "Suburban Commando," all of which helped bring his larger-than-life persona to a new audience. It's no surprise, then, that The Rock, John Cena and Dave Bautista have all made similar jumps in recent years. Hogan leaves behind an everlasting imprint on the wrestling world. Unfortunately, it comes with multiple asterisks; however, that doesn't change what he achieved as the first global wrestling star.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
