Michigan State football releases availability report for Week 1

Michigan State football will be short a handful of key players for Friday night’s season opener against Western Michigan.

Michigan State football is back for their season opener against Western Michigan. Heading into the game, there were concerns about the kicking game, and those came to light with the release of the availability report.

Who’s Out?

Overall, the kicking game is the biggest concern. The top two kickers, Tarik Ahmetbasic and Martin Connington, are out tonight. Additionally, starting long snapper Kaden Schickel will not be playing. The Spartans are expected to be more aggressive on fourth down as a result tonight.

Taking place of the kickers will be redshirt senior Blake Sislo. Sislo is a transfer from Davenport University, and was out of football entirely in the 2024 academic year. At Davenport, he did not record a stat.

If Jonathan Smith is to be believed, true freshman long snapper Jack Wills will be the starter tonight. Earlier in the week, a question was asked about Schickel’s availability, and if utilityman Sam Edwards would be used. The coach instantly voiced support for the freshman instead.

Nikai Martinez has also been dealing with injury during camp, and he was listed as out for tonight’s game. The senior defensive back who led the team in defensive snaps in 2024 will lose his 12-game starting streak with MSU. Justin Denson Jr. and Armorion Smith are expected to replace him.

Defensive tackle Jalen Satchell was also ruled out for tonight’s game. He was expected to contribute on third down situations. Instead, true freshman Derrick Simmons and redshirt freshman Mikeshun Beeler are some of the players who can replace him.

Andrew Brinson IV burned his redshirt last season in the season finale, but will not continue his playing streak on Friday night. The corner was ruled out for Friday’s contest.

On the offensive side, tight end Brennan Parachek was ruled out. True freshman Jayden Savoury likely replaces Parachek in passing situations, with redshirt junior Michael Masunas being the main replacement. It is unknown who won the race to be Jack Velling’s backup between Parachek and Masunas, but obviously, the latter will be the TE2 by default tonight.

Who did not dress?

A few freshmen and redshirt freshmen were not listed on the injury report on Friday, but did not dress. Running back Jace Clarizio is the main name to note, and Jonathan Smith revealed he was dealing with a calf injury.

Defensive backs George Mullins and Elisha West, defensive lineman Cal Thrush, linebackers DiMari Malone and DJ White, wide receiver Nick Hardy, and senior defensive back Dontavius Nash are not dressed.

Depth offensive players not listed on the roster

Two more depth players were not listed on the Michigan State football roster in the press box. Junior running back Chris Williams and redshirt freshman wide receiver Dyson Sims are both no longer listed. They join redshirt freshman offensive lineman Hayden Lorius as players not on the Spartan football roster. An MSU Spokesperson confirmed they are no longer on the roster.