Predicting MSU’s Starting Defense

Originally posted on Michigan State Spartans on SI
By Aidan Champion | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 5:25 PM ET

Michigan State is now turning the corner toward game preparation, and there are still some starting spots to be filled.

Defensively, some jobs seem more certain than others, with a lot of turnover and depth serving as factors in certain areas.

On this latest episode of the Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast, our Aidan Champion makes his predictions for the Spartans' starting defense.

You can watch the episode below:

Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith addressed the media on Monday. Below is a partial transcript:

Jonathan Smith

Opening Statement:

Smith: "Good work this morning. We're pleased with what we got done today, and now, we're going to transition really into game prep, so training camp kind of concluding. Pleased with it. I thought we, obviously, got a lot of hard work in and getting closer to game time. Still want to take advantage of the next less than two weeks here of practices and all of that. But pleased with where we're at."

Q: Where are you at with health?

Smith: "Feeling like we're in a solid space there (with health)," Smith said. "Again, I'll let you know if anything is season(-ending). We've definitely got some bumps, bruises going through camp that way. (Jack) Velling today, getting some reps in team period. He looked ready to continue to go. Did some more there.

"Nikai (Martinez), potentially, Game 1, might be out. We'll see where that goes. But we're feeling pretty healthy."

Q: How many positions got clarity from the scrimmage, and how many are still competitions?

Smith: "There's still some competition, and in a good way. I mean, we just feel like we've got some depth and we've got a position group or two that we got more than -- whatever it is -- two starters, wanting to get guys in. I think the running back room, I felt the run game was better on Saturday. So, we were pleased with that.

"Brandon (Tullis) had some good carries. Really all of them -- Makhi (Frazier) ran it really well, caught the ball in the backfield well. So, we were pleased with that room. That would be a particular one where you can see multiple guys back there."

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