Day One of Big Ten Media Days is Complete in Chicago!
Today in Chicago, the Big Ten hosted the first of three media days for the football programs. At the event, head coaches as well as players have the opportunity to speak on the state of their programs. They also could express what they are looking forward to this season. While Michigan State is not speaking until Day 2 of the event, there are a few noteworthy moments from today that involved the Spartans and a few former players. The participating schools for Day one included, USC, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Penn State, and Rutgers.
Out of the participants in today’s event, the Spartans will be facing three of these teams; Wisconsin, Illinois, and Rutgers. During the coaches session, Luke Fickell, Brett Bielema, and Greg Schiano all gave comments on changes coming to their programs this upcoming season.
Luke Fickell (Head Coach, Wisconsin)
Luke Fickell, the head coach at Wisconsin, who is going into his fourth full year at Wisconsin discussed the need to turn around the program. This is following a 4-8 record last season. He discussed their change in culture and that they are focused on shifting towards the focus to the young core they are developing. This core does not just include young players, he is also talking about the transfers. He also discussed the importance of improving their strength and conditioning routines after they had to start three different quarterbacks last season, losing two to injuries.
The Spartans are facing Wisconsin in their first conference road game this upcoming season. Considering the records last season, these two teams should be a good early season matchup. It should really help better show where each stands at an important benchmark in the season.
Greg Schiano (Head Coach, Rutgers)
Greg Schiano, the head coach at Rutgers, is going into his seventh season since his return to Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights took a step back this past season going 5-7 after two straight 7-6 seasons. For Schiano, one of the biggest differences that he mentioned for their program is the fact that the leadership has finally aligned at Rutgers. He mentioned how the funding is now matching the expectations for the program. Coach Schiano also discussed how his upcoming team is easily the deepest he has had since he returned to Rutgers. It seems as though Rutgers is no finally no longer looking to be a doormat for the conference.
The Spartans have lost two straight games to the Scarlet Knights and will be facing the Spartans in their final regular season matchup this season. This matchup could be a major one come the end of the season if the Spartans are approaching bowl eligibility.
Bret Bielema (Head Coach, Illinois)
Bret Bielema, the head coach at Illinois, is going into his sixth year with the Illini. The Illini had another strong season finishing 9-4 and winning their second straight bowl game. Coach Bielema focused mostly on continuing to improve the profile of the Illini. This included discussions about just how much things have changed since he started at Illinois. He mentioned that it is great to see the program at a point where they are selling out season tickets now. He also joked about how the players need to get used to playing with the largest scoreboard in the country.
Another big focus Bielema mentioned was that the Illini need to focus on winning more Big Ten road games. One of their road games this upcoming season is a trip to Spartan Stadium for Homecoming on October 10. While these two teams are in very different places currently, it will be interesting to see how the two teams match up, especially with former Spartan quarterback Katin Houser starting for the Illini.
Katin Houser (Quarterback, Illinois)
Katin Houser has been on quite a journey over his college career. Houser started his career with the Spartans before transferring to Eastern Carolina following the 2023 season. Houser started in seven games for the Spartans in the tumultuous 2023 season where Mel Tucker was fired. After transferring to Eastern Carolina he found a groove as a starting quarterback helped the team reach a 17-9 record. Following two straight Military Bowl victories, he entered the portal and decided to return to the Big Ten. This season he joined Bret Bielema and the Fighting Illini. Houser is another in a long line of quarterbacks to transfer into a Bielema system. That system goes back to Russell Wilson when he was coaching Wisconsin.
When asked about returning to the Big Ten, Houser admitted that he was excited about the opportunity. He mentioned how he really learned a lot after leaving Michigan State. When he left following the 2023 season, he admitted it wasn’t a great situation. Houser said he feels like his game has gotten to a spot where he is better able to take on Big Ten defenses. He was also praised by head coach Bret Bielema.
Bielema mentioned how he was impressed by the quarterback’s tape and the experience that he brings to his Illinois program. Additionally, the coach added in that it took a bit of convincing to bring the quarterback back to the Big Ten, after a rough stint. This, of course, was a polite way of mentioning the disastrous end to the Mel Tucker saga with Michigan State.
When asked about playing in Spartan Stadium again this season, he mentioned that he was excited. Despite his excitement though he mentioned it wasn’t something that he was specifically focusing on.
Alex VanSumeren (Interior Defensive Line, USC)
A Michigan native, VanSumeren is going into his redshirt senior year at USC. He spent the previous four seasons with the Spartans, only playing in three due to injury. Over his career with the Spartans, VanSumeren played in twenty-three games and developed into a leader in the locker room. After the firing of former head coach Jonathan Smith, he decided to enter the transfer portal where he is joining Lincoln Riley at USC.
Coach Riley in conferences talked a lot about the leadership skills and work ethic that VanSumeren displays. He also talked that up as well in his own interview saying that he leads by example and through his work ethic. Alex truly holds himself to a higher standard which plays into his role in the locker room. VanSumeren also expressed how he wants to lead by example and earn respect in the locker room. He also mentioned that because he wants to give himself the best opportunity to make it to the next level.
As far as his time in East Lansing he discussed that his time at MSU was influential in fortifying his leadership style. He alluded to former Spartans that included his brother Ben and the impact that it had on him while at Michigan State. The talented defensive tackle did admit to considering testing the NFL Draft waters, but ultimately his circle decided a return to college was best for Alex VanSumeren. For the Bay City native, the decision to transfer was strictly business, with no hard feelings towards his home state and the Spartans.
As a fun side note, the former Spartan mentioned that the best trash talker on the USC team was Jadyn Walker. Some Spartan fans likely remember that name, as Walker was a one-time MSU commit from Portage, Mich. who flipped to USC right before signing day.
Keep checking in with Spartan Shadows as we continue to bring you information out of the Big Ten Media Days from Chicago.
