The 10 most interesting Michigan State football players entering 2025 season

Michigan State football is facing a make-or-break season in 2025, and these are the 10 most interesting players to watch.

As Michigan State football wraps up fall camp in preparation for the 2025 season, here are the ten players I’m most interested to watch this fall.

1. Aidan Chiles, QB

We’ll get the low hanging fruit out of the way early. Because Michigan State’s season will likely be defined by the play of their quarterback. By now, you know the story. Aidan Chiles possesses rare talent, and has the potential to be one of the sport’s most dynamic playmakers. But he struggled with turnovers and consistency a year ago.

Now, we’re all anxious to see what year two looks like. A full offseason within the same offensive scheme should help. The Spartans have more talent at receiver than they did a year ago. Chiles is saying all the right things. Everything at the moment is positive. The pieces feel like they’re in place for a sizable leap. But we’ve got to see it.

2. Nick Marsh, WR

Nick Marsh came to Michigan State with a lot of hype as a consensus four-star prospect. And it didn’t take long for him to justify that hype. Marsh set MSU receiving records for true freshmen and led the team in receiving yards last season.

The Spartans were able to retain him after programs from across the country came calling. He seems committed to what Jonathan Smith is building. And as a true sophomore, Marsh is emerging as a leader in the locker room. Now, it’s time to see if Marsh can continue to expand his game. He will likely go as Chiles goes. This has the potential to be one of the better QB/WR duos in college football. Giddy up.

3. Stanton Ramil, OT

After redshirting in 2023, Stanton Ramil broke out in 2024 with eight starts at left tackle. His representation at Big Ten media days this summer suggests he’ll be a major piece of the Spartan offensive line. A former Under Armour All-American, Ramil’s frame (6-foot-7, 312 pounds) will be intriguing for NFL scouts.

He’ll be responsible for protecting the blind side of Chiles. And while the 2024 season wasn’t perfect, it’s encouraging to see a young player accumulate as many snaps and starts as he did. Any resurgence in the Michigan State offensive line starts right here.

4. Chrishon McCray, WR

A year ago, Michigan State football just didn’t have many playmakers outside of Marsh. Jonathan Smith hit the transfer portal hard this offseason, bringing in four new receivers. Chrishon McCray is the one that caught my eye. At 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, he’s on the smaller side. But despite that size, he still found a way to generate big plays at Kent State.

The Golden Flashes, if you’re unaware, have been the worst team in college football for the past two seasons. Yet, McCray was a first team all-conference selection in 2023 and scored nine touchdowns in 2024. Now, with more talent around him, he could find life easier than what he’s used to. Chiles overthrew a lot of deep balls in 2024. That’ll be tough to do with a burner like McCray.

5. Jordan Hall, LB

I have questions about this Michigan State defense as a unit. One area that I’m not concerned about though, are the linebackers. And that’s mostly due to the presence of Jordan Hall. The third-year contributor should have a more direct path to playing time this year after falling behind more experienced options a season ago. An outstanding locker room and community presence, Hall is the definition of a “Spartan Dawg”. He should have a big role in the middle of the Spartan defense and will have plenty of opportunities to make an impact.

6. Kristian Phillips, OL

“Big Dooley” was one of the guys I had circled for a breakout year in 2024. Unfortunately, his season lasted one game. A torn ACL in the opener against FAU ended his season abruptly. But all indications are that Kristian Phillips will be ready for the start of the season as he competes for a starting spot along the offensive line.

When Phillips has been on the field, he’s been an intriguing piece at guard. And while he faces competition from an improved offensive line room, he should find some snaps one way or another. If he can stay healthy, this is a guy that has the frame and tools to develop into an NFL prospect.

7. Jalen Thompson, EDGE

A respectable season from Michigan State’s defense was marred by the fact that they simply could not get to the quarterback. The Spartans went six straight games without registering a sack. They have to be better in 2025.

If they are better, Jalen Thompson figures to be one of the main reasons. The Junior started all 12 games last season but was not overly productive with quarterback pressures or sacks. Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi was complimentary of the work he’s put in and thinks he can give them more as an edge rusher. That would be a big development, because Michigan State football desperately needs a pass rush in 2025.

8. David Santiago, EDGE

When Michigan State football takes the field on Aug. 29 against Western Michigan, pass rush will be the No. 1 thing on my mind. Santiago is another edge rusher that intrigues me. The redshirt sophomore transferred from Air Force in January after appearing in 10 games last season. It was a down year for the Falcons, but Santiago was a productive player on the Air Force defense with five tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

Because the military academies do not accept transfers, the typically rely on upperclassmen for contributions. Santiago’s 521 defensive snaps as a redshirt freshman are noteworthy. Up nearly 20 pounds after shedding the academy’s weight restrictions, Santiago could become an impact player for this MSU defense early in his career.

9. Justin Denson Jr., DB

We’ll see how many snaps Justin Denson Jr. is able to accrue early in the season. MSU’s safety duo feels set with Malik Spencer and Nikai Martinez. But I’m guessing he’ll find his way onto the field in certain packages. In 2024, Denson appeared in eight games and stepped in for an injured Malik Spencer in the home finale against Rutgers.

The 6-foot-2 inch sophomore was a high school All-American and is one of the bigger defensive backs on the roster. Avoiding the redshirt last year speaks to his talent. And while we may not see a ton of him early on, this is a player that could play his way into more snaps as the season progresses.

10. Ryan Eckley, Punter

I can’t get out of here without discussing special teams. And while I hope to not see much of Ryan Eckley this year, I’m also realistic when it comes to this year’s team. Eckley built on a solid 2023 by leading the Big Ten in average punting distance in 2024. He was recognized with a second teal all-conference selection.

Punting is one of the most boring, yet important plays in the game, especially in college. Eckley will win the Spartans a game at some point with his ability to flip field position. And for a team like MSU that needs to win in the margins, Eckley is a hidden weapon.