Michigan State football: Freshmen tracker vs. Minnesota

On Saturday, Michigan State football lost in heartbreaking fashion, with a few controversial calls by officiating sinking the Spartans in overtime. That said, the game was lost by coaching decisions in regulation, but I digress. Regardless, the Minnesota game marked the beginning of an “open season” for some freshman, as those who have not played this year can play the remainder of the season without losing their redshirt status.

That is, assuming Michigan State football does not make a bowl, which is not a bold prediction at this point. This saw two more Spartans make their debut, along with another freshman play their fourth game, putting them at the cusp of not redshirting.

Since this was a road game, it is time to check which Spartans travelled. First time travel squad members will be italicized.

Michigan State football freshman that traveled to Minneapolis

• QB Leo Hannan
• HB Zion Gist
• HB/WR Bryson Williams
• WR Braylon Collier
• WR Charles Taplin II
• DL Derrick Simmons
• DL Cal Thrush
• LB Leonard Ah You
• DB Aydan West
• DB George Mullins
• LS Jack Wills

Gist and Thrush were the first time travelers, as Ben Roberts, Ru’Quan Buckley, and Makhi Frazier being out for the game opened up slots for the freshmen on the limited roster. Braylon Collier travelled for the first time since the opening road game against USC, while DB Evan Young did not travel.

Which freshman played, and how did they do?

George Mullins, DB

Mullins played his second game of the season, playing nine snaps on special teams after making his debut against Michigan the week before. He was a part of the kick return and punt return units.

Jack Wills, LS

Wills remains the starting long snapper as Kaden Schickel is still on the injury report. Although the field goal unit missed two kicks on the day, neither came from a bad snap. The Michigan native did his job in setting the Spartans up for field goals, which is all a long snapper can do. Full marks for Wills, as always.

Derrick Simmons, DL

For the first time since the matchup with Youngstown State, Derrick Simmons saw the field. It was a brief stint, with the Frankenmuth (MI.) native only playing for five snaps on defense. With Roberts and Buckley out, alongside Mikeshun Beeler not suiting up for the last few home games, the luxury of a Simmons redshirt may not be affordable any more for MSU.

Bryson Williams, HB/WR

Williams played his third game of the season, subbing in for a handful of snaps along with serving as a kick returner with Chrishon McCray out. Despite missing a starting halfback and receiver, Williams only played three offensive snaps. That said, he did record his first career carry during the first half.

Aydan West, DB

West’s last road game did not go great, but against Minnesota, the freshman stood out. West recorded the third best defensive PFF grade on the team, and the top among all corners. West’s guy was targeted three times all games, with the freshman only allowing one catch, where he dropped the receiver for negative yardage.

He also had the pass breakup of the game, deflecting a ball out of bounds in the second half. Overall, the freshman shined, with PFSN giving him the fourth-highest grade among all corners in the FBS in week 10.

Charles Taplin II, WR

Taplin II was the only offensive Spartan to make his debut this week, playing in one snap. The freshman and Brian Lindgren made that one snap matter, with it being a designated pass to the Texas native. Taplin rolled across the formation, sneaking behind the line.

He flew by his coverage, and gained nine yards to set up the Spartans in good position. Both Taplin and Williams each have gotten their first catch out of the way early in their careers.

Leonard Ah You, LB

Ah You was the surprise commitment of the 2025 class, with the one-time Oregon State commit taking his mission trip before returning to college football. The freshman signed on with MSU and Jonathan Smith, and enrolled this summer. He made the travel roster before the Indiana game, and then got his first game action as a part of the kickoff coverage unit. Overall, he played four snaps in that group on Saturday.

Other freshmen to play this year: TE Jayden Savoury (four games played, injured), DB Evan Young (two games played, did not travel)

The Spartans have a week off before returning to Spartan Stadium for the final time in 2025 on November 15. That game will kick at 3:30 p.m. EST.