J Batt claims Michigan State football 2025 opener nearing a sell-out

Michigan State football is now under a week away. With the hype for the season building, FOX 2 elected to bring Michigan State Athletic Director J Batt onto the broadcast. With the Spartans ending their regular season against Maryland at Ford Field, this provided a great opportunity for the athletic director to tour the scene.

While on the broadcast, Batt discussed the team, calling it much improved from last year. The confidence under the second-year Spartan head coach Jonathan Smith is at an all-time high.

“Lot of confidence in the building,” Batt revealed. “(There’s) lots of development. The team is a lot better than last year.”

While on the broadcast, Batt also called the incoming game against the Western Michigan Broncos a near sell-out. With the Spartans bringing back star receiver Nick Marsh alongside quarterback Aidan Chiles, then acquiring Biletnikoff Award watchlist weapons Omari Kelly and Chrishon McCray, the hype is starting to build for the Spartans.

The offensive line returns both tackles in Stanton Ramil and Ashton Lepo, alongside bringing in Conner Moore to compete for a starting tackle gig. Fans are expecting a higher-powered offense in year two, and their pocket books are reflecting it.

Defensively, the Spartans bring back four starters, alongside linebacker Jordan Hall, safety pairing Malik Spencer and Nikai Martinez (who is a gametime decision for the opener), alongside impact transfers such as Aisea Moa, Isaac Smith, and Joshua Eaton.

Add in the new confirmed concession amenities, such as a Little Caesar’s and an Auntie Annie’s, alongside a facelift on the wall, and it is clear that Batt is investing in the football program.

Historic trends for the Michigan State football season opener

In 2024, the Spartans drew 70,271 fans for their debut of Jonathan Smith’s tenure in East Lansing, against Florida Atlantic. The 2023 matchup of Michigan State football and Central Michigan drew 73,216 fans. Following a 2021 Peach Bowl berth, the Spartans drew a crowd of 73,928 fans the previous time MSU played the Broncos in 2022.

The hope is that the Spartans can surpass 74,000 on Friday, something which has not been seen since the 2016 season opener, against Furman.