Michigan State’s Next Chapter: Five Key Players Pat Fitzgerald Needs to Keep in East Lansing
What a whirlwind day for Michigan State football. In the span of just a few hours, the program officially moved on from Jonathan Smith and ushered in a new era by naming Pat Fitzgerald as the next head coach. And as expected, the dominoes are already starting to fall - players entering the portal, others reaffirming their commitment, and the recruiting picture shifting fast.
But as Fitzgerald steps into the spotlight in East Lansing, the first challenge on his desk isn’t just about bringing in new talent - it’s about keeping the right players in green and white. The transfer portal window is about to open wide, and Michigan State can’t afford to lose the core pieces that could define the early stages of the Fitzgerald era.
Here are five players - and a few honorable mentions - that Fitzgerald and his staff should prioritize keeping on board.
1. Alessio Milivojevic, QB
Let’s start with the most obvious name on the board. Alessio Milivojevic didn’t just flash potential - he looked like a quarterback ready to take the reins and lead this program for the next few seasons.
He’s poised, unshaken under pressure, and makes smart decisions with the football. That’s exactly the kind of quarterback Fitzgerald can build around.
Milivojevic has already shown he belongs at this level, and with a full offseason of development under a new staff, the ceiling could be even higher. While there’s always intrigue around competition - and yes, Aidan Chiles returning would make for a compelling QB battle - Milivojevic looks like the guy to lead the Spartans into this new chapter.
Keeping him in East Lansing is priority No. 1.
And don’t forget about Kaye Coffman. Keeping the quarterback room stocked with talent and upside is critical, and Coffman’s commitment could be another key piece of the puzzle.
2. Nick Marsh, WR
Nick Marsh is the kind of wide receiver that doesn’t come around often - big-play ability, strong hands, and the potential to be a game-changer in the Big Ten. The challenge?
He’s likely going to be one of the most sought-after names in the portal if he decides to test the waters.
But Marsh has shown love for the program, and under Fitzgerald’s leadership, he could be the featured weapon in a revamped offense. The opportunity to be a true No. 1 receiver, paired with Milivojevic’s development, might be enough to keep him in the fold.
If Marsh does decide to move on, Fitzgerald will need to act quickly. Names like Braylon Collier and Chrishon McCray could be worth targeting, but ideally, Michigan State keeps Marsh and builds the receiving corps around him.
3. Jordan Hall, LB
If there’s one player who feels tailor-made for a Pat Fitzgerald defense, it’s Jordan Hall. A senior leader with a high football IQ and sideline-to-sideline range, Hall already ranks among the Big Ten’s top linebackers - and he’s only trending upward.
With the right coaching staff around him - and there’s buzz about bringing in someone like Max Bullough to coordinate the defense - Hall could elevate his game even further. This is the kind of player who could anchor the defense and set the tone for the entire locker room.
Pair Hall with returning pieces like Brady Pretzlaff and DeJae White, and suddenly you’re looking at a linebacker room with serious upside and leadership.
4. Four Key Defensive Linemen
We’re bending the rules a bit here, but it’s worth grouping these four together because of how important they are to the defensive front. Anelu Lafaele brings the edge-rushing juice, while veterans Jalen Thompson and Alex VanSumeren offer experience and consistency on the interior.
Then there’s Derrick Simmons, a freshman who turned heads in the offseason and looks like a future star.
This group gives Michigan State a balanced mix of proven production and long-term potential - exactly what you want in the trenches. If Fitzgerald can convince all four to stay, the Spartans will have a defensive line that can hold its own against anyone in the conference.
5. Aydan West, DB
Quietly, freshman defensive back Aydan West made a strong impression late in the season. Given more snaps down the stretch, he showed flashes of becoming a future cornerstone in the secondary.
West has the instincts and athleticism to be a multi-year starter, and with the right coaching, he could develop into one of the Big Ten’s better young defensive backs. Imagine pairing him with a secondary led by someone like Darqueze Dennard or Trae Waynes in a coaching role - that’s the kind of developmental environment that could unlock West’s full potential.
Honorable Mention: Offensive Line Depth
The offensive line doesn’t always get the headlines, but it’s the foundation of any successful program. And Michigan State has some promising pieces that Fitzgerald would be wise to retain.
Names like Gavin Broscious, Kristian Phillips, Conner Moore, Stanton Ramil, Rustin Young, Andrew Dennis, and Luka Vincic all bring value, whether it’s experience, upside, or versatility. That’s a group with the potential to grow together and form a cohesive unit under the right coaching.
And don’t overlook the tight ends. Michael Masunas and Jayden Savoury are both key contributors who can help in both the run game and as safety valves in the passing attack.
The Bottom Line
Pat Fitzgerald’s arrival in East Lansing marks a fresh start for Michigan State football. But before he can fully reshape the roster in his image, he needs to lock in the players who can be the foundation of his rebuild.
Milivojevic. Marsh.
Hall. That core - along with key contributors on both lines and in the secondary - gives the Spartans a real shot to be competitive sooner than expected.
The portal window is about to open, and the decisions made in the next few weeks will shape the early chapters of Fitzgerald’s tenure.
The rebuild starts now - and it starts with keeping the right guys home.