A breakout freshman corner returns, ready to anchor Michigan State's defense and chase championships in year two. This is a major win.
Standout defensive back Aydan West announced on X that he will return to East Lansing for his sophomore season, posting:
“Lord Jesus, thank you for everything you have blessed me with this year!! Year one was cool, but we coming for everything year two!”
That decision bodes extremely well for a Michigan State defensive staff that experienced some turnover this offseason but retained defensive coordinator Joe Rossi and safeties coach James Adams.
The Spartans will rely heavily on returning players to emerge as leaders on a roster that may be short on proven voices. West has already embraced that role. During his media availability following his freshman season, the young defensive back stated that becoming a leader in year two was one of his main goals. Keeping a standout true freshman like West in East Lansing is a major win and an important building block for the 2025 season. Expectations will be high—and rightfully so.
Before arriving at Michigan State, West helped lead Quince Orchard High School to two undefeated state championship seasons. As a senior in 2024, he recorded five interceptions—two of which he returned for touchdowns—as Quince Orchard finished 13–0 and captured the Maryland 4A state championship. West finished his high school career as Quince Orchard’s all-time leader in interceptions with eight, including three pick-sixes.
West was also one of the most highly regarded recruits in the state of Maryland in the Class of 2025, ranking No. 18 by 247Sports, No. 22 by Rivals, and No. 31 by ESPN. Nationally, he was rated among the top cornerbacks in the country by 247Sports (No. 54), Rivals (No. 69), and ESPN (No. 90).
As a freshman with the Spartans, West was used sparingly early in the season, recording four tackles through the first eight games as his playing time gradually increased. Everything changed in Week 10.
In Michigan State’s ninth game of the season against Minnesota, the Spartans’ heartbeat began to return. Although MSU ultimately fell in overtime, quarterback Alessio Milivojevic made his first start and showed promise, while West delivered a lockdown, lights-out performance at cornerback.
According to Cam Mellor of Pro Football Network (PFSN), West graded as one of the top cornerbacks in the nation that week—despite being a true freshman.
PFSN College Highest-Graded Cornerbacks, Week 10:
- Donovan Jones, Nebraska – 93.2
- Hezekiah Masses, Cal – 92.8
- Mark Zackery IV, Notre Dame – 90.0
- Aydan West, Michigan State – 89.5
- Justin Eaglin, James Madison – 87.0
By the time Michigan State reached its season finale against Maryland, West had become a constant presence in the Spartans’ defense. Playing at Ford Field, he delivered one of his best performances of the year, finishing with six solo tackles, eight total tackles, and half a sack for a seven-yard loss. His impact plays were crucial in helping MSU secure its lone Big Ten victory of the season.
With West returning alongside coaches Rossi and Adams—and the addition of co-defensive coordinator Max Bullough—Michigan State’s defense is beginning to take shape. If the Spartans are to make a serious push next season, it will be led by emerging leaders like Aydan West.