Monday was a huge day for the future of Michigan State football

Four years ago yesterday, Kenneth Walker III committed to Michigan State football and changed the immediate trajectory of the program. He would go on to help lead the Spartans to 11 wins, get Mel Tucker a massive contract, and win the Doak Walker Award (should have also been the Heisman) in the process.

Well, Jan. 6 was good to Michigan State yet again (a forgettable date nationally, but it’s been good to the program) on Monday as the Spartans got a lot better on both sides of the ball and on their coaching staff.

The day started with an announcement of coaching staff hires.

Jonathan Smith announced the hires of quarterbacks coach Jon Boyer from Oregon State and safeties coach James Adams from Wake Forest. For the second time in five years, Michigan State pulled one over on Wake Forest on Jan. 6. This time, it came in the form of associate head coach and safeties coach James Adams who has been dubbed a “future head coach” by those in the know. As for Boyer, he was Oregon State’s tight ends coach this past season but he helped mentor DJ Uiagalelei and is familiar with Aidan Chiles and what makes him tick. That was a massive hire, too.

Up next was the commitment of BYU linebacker Aisea Moa. He may not start right away in East Lansing, but the former four-star recruit has experience and provides solid depth to the position. He’ll be a force in the two-deep for the Spartans. Plus, he has a younger brother, Salesi Moa, who is a top-40 recruit in the 2026 class. This commitment could help the Spartans land his younger brother.

Lastly, Michigan State got some help on the offensive side of the ball in Idaho tight end Mason Mini. While he’s not going to light up the stat sheet as he had just five catches for 61 yards as a freshman in 2024, he is an excellent blocker at the position and can help Michigan State seal the edge.

Michigan State football improved on Monday on both sides of the ball and in its coaching staff not just immediately but for years to come. As it pertains to the football program, we will remember Jan. 6 fondly in East Lansing.