New energy ignites Spartan Stadium. Watch new coaches and players forge a revamped offense and defense, building serious buzz for the season ahead.
The newly led Michigan State Spartans football program has officially kicked things off this spring, with their fourth practice getting underway this morning.
The fourth practice of the spring allowed time for the media to get inside and capture videos—and I’m here to soak it all in. Despite not being able to attend practice in person, I was able to gather and comb through as many clips as possible.
There was no shortage of footage, either. The videos highlight the excitement surrounding this team. Fans and media members alike seem to be salivating at the idea of this newly constructed roster. It’s not just the new players generating buzz—the coaching staff is equally surrounded by potential.
And that’s the word that keeps coming up: buzz.
Courtesy of Ben Schadel, writer for Spartan Shadows, we got a behind-the-scenes look at both players and coaches. One standout clip showcased the intensity that defensive coordinators Joe Rossi and Max Bullough bring to practice. Both were heard loudly instructing players, emphasizing what needs to be executed and what must be improved on every single rep.
Working alongside them is new defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere, who comes over from the Arizona Cardinals. While his approach appeared calmer in comparison, his presence carried weight. Having coached at the professional level and knowing exactly what it takes to get there, every player seemed locked in, hanging on his every word.
On the offensive side, it’s clear the Spartans plan to establish themselves through the run game and physical blocking. New running backs coach Devon Spaulding was front and center throughout the clips, heavily involved in drills and instruction.
Michigan State added a bushel of new running backs this offseason, including Cam Edwards from Connecticut, who finished last season with 15 rushing touchdowns. This group has the potential to be the engine that drives the Spartans’ offense.
Another coach featured in Schadel’s clips was offensive line coach Nick Tabacca. Tabacca arguably has one of the toughest jobs in sports—rebuilding an offensive line that struggled mightily last season. If he can successfully mold both returning players and incoming transfers into a cohesive unit, it would be nothing short of remarkable. Simply put, his impact could define the ceiling of this team.
Speaking of impact, quarterback Alessio Milivojevic will be the one tasked with leading this resurgent Spartans squad. A few clips showed Milivojevic airing it out, including a sharp throw over the middle hauled in by KK Smith on an impressive, outstretched catch.
Switching over to Emmit Matasovsky, another contributor for Spartan Shadows, we get a whole new set of perspectives. Matasovsky’s footage focused primarily on the offense, showcasing crisp route running from both wide receivers and tight ends.
One clip highlighted a physical drill with the caption: “No block, no rock applies to tight ends, too.” In it, Brennen Parachek gets work against freshman Joe Caudill, who lined up as a rush end. The drill was intense—tight ends colliding with force, resembling two Pachycephalosaurus charging headfirst with no regard for their bodies.
Another clip featured Rod Bullard running a precise curl route that simply looked smooth. Fluid, sharp, and twitchy—exactly what you want to see from a receiver refining his craft.
Ultimately, though, these videos aren’t about highlight-reel one-on-ones or deep Hail Mary connections. Instead, they show a team focused on controlling what it can control. The Spartans are working to instill a mindset built on steady progress—a slow and deliberate climb toward success.
It all starts with the coaching staff and extends to how coachable the players are. With such a significant turnover in both personnel and leadership, this season brings a wide range of emotions. For some, it’s excitement and untapped potential. For others, it’s cautious optimism mixed with scrutiny.
There’s no wrong way to feel about what’s ahead.
But one thing is clear: through four practices, Michigan State is building something—and they’re feeling all the right things along the way.