Michigan State football freshmen tracker, Week 9 vs. Michigan

The Spartans returned home to play the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday. The in-state rivals brought the energy and juice to Michigan State football, and the Spartans could not keep up with the Wolverines. Ultimately, MSU fell 20-31 to their in-state rivals. How did the freshman fair with there only being five games left on the season?

With the Spartans staying home, many of them dressed for the contest. However, the following freshman did not dress on game day: WR Braylon Collier, WR Nick Hardy, DB Deuce Edwards, TE Jayden Savoury.

One more Spartan did make his debut on Saturday, too. Here are the Spartans that played against the Wolverines to get a taste of game action.

Evan Young, DB

For the second straight week, Evan Young got in on special teams. He served as a gunner and covered gunners on the punt and punt return unit. The freshman from Texas did appear on the stat sheet, but not in a good way. On the first punt of the game, he was whistled for a false start.

George Mullins, DB

Mullins becomes the next freshman to put his name down as players to make their debut for Michigan State football. Mullins played punt return as coverage against gunners. The Florida-born defensive back is the seventh freshman to play this season.

Aydan West, DB

West saw a reduced role this week, only being in for a dozen snaps. The freshman was targeted once and did not allow a reception. He also played four snaps on special teams.

Jack Wills, LS

Wills started at long snapper yet again, with Kaden Schickel still out due to an ACL tear last season against Michigan. Wills graded out as the best Spartan on special teams, via PFF, aided by his one tackle on the game. Overall, it was a full mark day for the long snapper. That position gained an extra bolster when 2026 long snapper Zach Curtis announced his intention to walk on to the team next season. The Haslett (MI.) product likely becomes the second option in the room, assuming Schickel graduates and elects to head elsewhere for his final season.

Bryson Williams, WR

Williams, much like Young, played for the second straight game. Williams played four snaps on offense, lining up at wide receiver three times and in the backfield once. While there were no designed plays or targets, it is apparent that he is a player with select packages as the season winds down. Williams also played kickoff coverage in the second half of the game.

Other freshmen that have played this year, but did not see the field against Michigan: TE Jayden Savoury (four games played), DL Derrick Simmons (three games played)

The Spartans travel to Minnesota this week, which will be a good chance to see if anyone mixes around on the travel roster with players such as Ben Roberts doubtful.