Three Spartans Who Might Actually Make Plays This Fall
The Spartans offense enters 2026 with a fresh playcaller, a sophomore QB ready for his close-up, and a batch of transfers hoping to outshine a handful of returning faces. Alessio Milivojevic returns after four solid starts, promising better anticipation and fewer sack highlights. Notre Dame castoff KK Smith vies for a starting nod opposite slot standout Chrishon McCray, and UConn transfer Ben Murawski aims to solidify the blindside, turning slow-developing runs into instant classics. Success hinges on these three adapting quickly to Coach Fitzgerald’s scheme and the Big Ten’s bruising defenders.
If you’ve ever wanted to see a quarterback who holds the ball like it’s an engagement ring before tossing it, you’re in luck—Alessio Milivojevic is your man. And nothing says “fresh start” like dragging a former UConn tackle through cold East Lansing winters. As for KK Smith, he’s the wideout equivalent of your coworker’s cousin who “definitely could’ve made it big” if he just got that one lucky break. Buckle up, MSU fans: this fall’s offense might resemble a soap opera more than a championship unit, but at least it’ll be entertaining.
Why Charles Taplin’s WR Spot Isn’t Totally Imaginary
Redshirt freshman Charles Taplin vaulted from unlikely depth-chart dweller to No. 29 on MSU’s Top 30 list, quietly stealing reps with the first-team offense during spring showcase. A 6’1”, 184-pound slot threat, Taplin’s “no block, no rock” attitude and crafty route-running have impressed Coach Courtney Hawkins. Despite being a 1,671st-ranked recruit, Taplin’s willingness to fight through contact, master slants over linebacker jaws, and sink his foot within boundary confines reveal why he’s suddenly in the early lead for a starting role.
Here’s a shocker: Charles Taplin, once closer to making YouTube highlight reels for out-of-bounds blunders, is now the poster child for “work ethic pays off.” If you squint, you can almost see ESPN analysts pretending they knew about this recruitment gem all along. Taplin’s transformation from underrated recruit to depth-chart darling embodies MSU’s new motto: “If you can survive a Midwest winter, you can survive our slants.” Fans should prepare their slow-clap applause and incredulous “Who saw that coming?” tweets.
Moneyball Madness: Spartans Dunk, Dribble, Repeat
Moneyball Sportswear’s annual Pro-Am kicks off June 23 at Holt High School, featuring every (healthy) Michigan State player in a free, community-friendly hoop fest. Now in its 21st season, the weeknight league delivers early looks at Spartans chemistry, from Jeremy Fears Jr. and Carson Cooper’s alley-oop partnership to dream pairings like Fears with newcomer Anton Bonke or freshman Jasiah Jervis. Fans can catch live-action pick-and-rolls and freshman dunk duos before Big Ten referees demand formality.
Finally, an event where Tom Izzo’s influence can’t hijack the proceedings—oh wait, he still pairs the duos. Forget overpriced NBA Summer League tickets; for free, you can watch college stars feed each other lob cakes in a school gym. Expect more midrange jumpers than an 80s montage and less defense than a toddler’s game of red light, green light. Bring folding chairs, popcorn, and a prayer that the scoreboard guy doesn’t nap through half the game.
Leave a Reply