Michigan State football: Clarity Provided in Bryson Williams’ position

Michigan State football enters the 2026 season under Pat Fitzgerald with a lot of new pieces navigating their way through the first spring. However, with over 40 new players, the Spartans return a few pieces and coaches from last season’s 4-8 campaign.

One of those returning pieces is Bryson Williams, a star with Orchard Lake St. Mary’s on their route to the 2024 Michigan High School State Title. The dynamic offensive weapon redshirted in 2025, taking the field for a few snaps in four games at the end of the campaign to retain his status. During the season, it was revealed that the freshman was splitting his time between the receivers and running backs in a near 50/50 split.

Williams took nine snaps at running back and six at wide receiver last season, splitting roles. During team warmups, the freshman did similar, catching passes during the initial period before switching to running back drills when the pads came on. On the season, he recorded one catch for eight yards and two rushes for 20 yards.

Entering 2026, however, it appears that the new staff and returning wide receiver coach Courtney Hawkins has made their choice. As Hawkins revealed to the media on Tuesday, Bryson Williams will be spending the majority of his time with the receivers this season.

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Not only is Williams a full time receiver, but he is pushing the group for playing time, too. The receiver room only returns three players to catch a pass last season with MSU, that being Williams, Chrishon McCray, and Charles Taplin II. Both Williams and Taplin II only had a single catch during their true freshman seasons. It is worth noting that Rod Bullard Jr. could be returning to the room, but his eligibility is pending an NCAA waiver.

Receiver Room Rundown

The Spartans also acquired quite a few new bodies in the room, with KK Smith (Notre Dame) and Fredrick Moore (Michigan) each having contributed at the Power Four level as role players prior to their transfer. Additionally, freshmen Rai’Shawn Elmore, Zach Washington, and Colin Charles all enter the room, with four-star Samson Gash set to join them this summer.

Washington and Gash are known for their blazing speed, and the former is a high school teammate of starting quarterback Alessio Milivojevic.

In addition, redshirt freshman Braylon Collier returns to the room after playing in one game on special teams last season, alongside Jack Yanachik (five games played over two seasons). Atticus Carridine and Nick Hardy also return to the room, but have yet to record game action.