Michigan State Football Depth Chart Projection and Preview Vs Toledo

As the hours dwindle down for Michigan State football, the Pat Fitzgerald era is set to have the first on field test of the year at 8:05 p.m. EST. With the Spartans squaring off against Toledo, here is what to know and what to watch as MSU begins the 2026 season.

Unknown Opponent

The Spartans are not familiar with Toledo, compared to other schools in proximity. MSU has only squared off with Toledo once, 101 years ago. In addition, the Toledo that most fans know has been replaced, as head coach Jason Candle took his talents to UConn. The Rockets only return one starter from their 2025 squad, and break in 52 new players.

They bring in Andrew Zock, an EDGE from Mercer, following head coach Mike Jacobs and defensive coordinator Jahmal Brown. Zock is the star on defense to watch, as he is coming off an 11.5 sack campaign with the Bears.

Offensively, CJ Miller is a name to watch when running the ball. Last year, Miller rushed for 957 yards and 14 TDs for Mercer. Quarterback is projected as a two-horse race, and Spartan defensive coordinator Joe Rossi is preparing accordingly.

The Spartans have completely revamped their offensive line this offseason, with three new starters projected along with swing tackle Robert Wright Jr. available.

With that and a revamped running back room, the Spartans are expected to go ground and pound to victory.

At the end of the day, it is hard to fathom the Spartans being upset, although Toledo can make it close at the end. The Spartans likely do not cover the 10-point spread, though.

Final Score Projection

Michigan State 31

Toledo 24

Projected Starters for Michigan State football

Offense

• QB Alessio Milivojevic
• RB Cam Edwards
• WR Chrishon McCray
• WR Rod Bullard Jr.
• WR Fredrick Moore
• TE Brennan Parachek
• LT Ben Murawski
• LG Conner Moore
  
• C Trent Fraley
• RG Nick Sharpe
  
• RT Rakeem Johnson

Defense

• EDGE Kenny Soares
• DT Ben Roberts
• DT Eli Coenen
• DE Isaac Smith
• LB Caleb Wheatland
• LB Jordan Hall
• NB Michael Richard
• CB Tre Bell
• CB Charles Brantley
• S Nikai Martinez
• S Devin Vaught

The big question for defense is if Charles Brantley or Tyran Chappell get the start.

Injury List

While no injury list has been provided to media, the following players were observed as being out of warmups when Michigan State football was warming up.

• WR Samson Gash
• EDGE Leonard Ah You
• OL Eli Bickel
• OL Drew Nichols
• OL Tristan Comer
• TE Joe Caudill
• EDGE Aidan Boehle