When Jonathan Smith, head coach of Michigan State Spartans walked onto the practice field at Spartan Stadium on October 23, 2025, the vibe was anything but ordinary. The Spartans were gearing up for their final home game – the annual rivalry against the Michigan Wolverines – but a cascade of injuries had turned the depth chart into a moving puzzle.
Current Injury Landscape
According to the unofficial depth chart released by HuskerMax on October 24, the Spartans entered the week with 14 players already sidelined for the season. That tally includes three offensive linemen, four defensive backs and two linebackers. The most glaring hole sits at left tackle, where junior Ramil (full name not publicly disclosed) suffered a Grade‑2 hamstring strain during the October 18 loss to USC. With only seven scholarship linemen left, the offensive line is operating at roughly 55% of its usual depth.
Meanwhile, senior linebacker Otoniel Lafaele was confirmed on October 24 by Lines.com as out for the remainder of the season with an undisclosed injury. The defensive secondary is also rattled: true freshman cornerback Xavier Henderson (RS‑JR) broke his high‑ankle sprain against USC and is listed as a game‑time decision.
Offensive Adjustments and Backup Playmakers
Quarterback Aidan Chiles (Jr./Tr) remains the clear leader under center, but the protection scheme has been forced to evolve. Coach Smith told reporters on October 22 that the unit will rely more on quick‑hitting routes, screen passes and designed quarterback movement to neutralize the missing tackle. "We can’t afford the pocket to collapse," Smith said. "Our backs have to be ready to step up, and Aidan’s mobility gives us a real advantage."
Running back Makhi Frazier (SO) continues as the starter, flanked by backup Brandon Tullis (SO) and Elijah Tau‑Tolliver (RS‑SR/Tr). The fullback spot sees RS‑JR Jay Coyne starting over RS‑FR Jaxon McCaig, a decision that adds a physical edge in short‑yardage situations.
Perhaps the most surprising potential shift involves tight end John Michael Schmitz (RS‑JR). With the tackle vacancy, the coaching staff is flirting with moving Schmitz to left guard – a position he practiced lightly in the spring. If the move sticks, it could free up a tackle slot for a versatile backup like freshman offensive lineman Leo Hannan.
Defensive Shuffle – New Faces on the Field
Defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton faces a daunting task. The Spartans run a Multiple 4‑2‑5 front, but with the loss of starters at both cornerback and safety, true freshmen Ru'Quan Buckley (No. 88) and Jalen Satchell (No. 93) are projected to see a significant snap count against Michigan's high‑octane passing attack.
At the defensive line, junior Jalen Thompson (DE) anchors the left side, while backups Kekai Burnett (RS‑FR) and David Santiago (RS‑SO/Tr) rotate to keep fresh legs. Inside, left tackle Alex VanSumeren (RS‑JR) and right tackle Grady Kelly (RS‑SR/Tr) share duties, but the depth chart lists Ben Roberts (RS‑JR/Tr) as the primary right tackle and Mikeshun Beeler (RS‑FR) as his understudy.
Coach Hazelton emphasized a “next‑man‑up” mentality in the press conference, noting, "We’ve simplified reads so the younger kids can play fast and aggressive without overthinking. The scheme stays the same; the execution just gets a little more straightforward."
What’s at Stake – The Rivalry’s Bigger Picture
The October 25, 2025, clash is more than a traditional rivalry; it’s the Spartans’ last home game of the regular season and a potential gateway to a bowl invitation. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 PM ET, according to the CFBDepth.com game card. A win would not only boost morale after a 4‑3 start but also improve Michigan State’s chances of securing a spot in the Music City Bowl.
Statistically, Michigan’s passing offense ranks 12th nationally, averaging 285 yards through the air per game. Without a healthy secondary, the Spartans risk surrendering easy scores. Conversely, a surprise return from Xavier Henderson could tighten coverage and force Michigan to rely more on its ground game, where they are less efficient.
- 14 season‑ending injuries through seven games.
- Only seven scholarship offensive linemen available.
- Quarterback Aidan Chiles throwing 78% completion rate this season.
- Michigan’s passing yards per game: 285.
- Game‑time decisions: 5 (including Henderson).
Looking Ahead – Possible Scenarios
If Henderson clears his ankle, the secondary will revert to a more familiar look, likely pairing him with sophomore safety James McNeil (RS‑SO). If not, freshman Buckley could start opposite true sophomore cornerback Malik Brown (RS‑JR), a pairing that has never seen game action together.
On offense, the tight‑end‑to‑guard experiment could either pay off with added interior protection or expose Schmitz to unfamiliar blitzes. The coaching staff says they’ll evaluate his performance in the final two practices before making a final call.
In short, the Spartans are betting on versatility, depth‑by‑depth, and a little bit of luck. As Smith put it on the sidelines, "We’ve got a lot of guys who want to step up. The game will be decided by who makes the most of their chance."
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the loss of offensive tackle Ramil affect the Spartans' passing game?
Ramil’s absence forces the Spartans to shorten the passing window. Coach Smith plans to widen the receiver set, incorporate more screens, and use designed QB runs, which should keep the pocket from collapsing and preserve Aidan Chiles’ high completion rate.
What are the chances Xavier Henderson will return against Michigan?
Medical staff list Henderson as a game‑time decision. If his ankle clears the next 48 hours, he could start, giving the secondary its most experienced corner. If not, a true freshman will take his spot, likely reducing the unit’s cohesion.
Why is the Spartans’ defensive scheme being simplified?
With multiple starters out, younger players risk being overwhelmed by complex reads. Coordinator Scottie Hazelton trimmed the scheme to basic gap assignments, allowing backups like Buckley and Satchell to play aggressively without overthinking responsibilities.
What impact could a surprise return from a game‑time decision have on the outcome?
A single return—whether Henderson on defense or Schmitz at guard—could swing momentum. A healthier secondary would force Michigan to adjust its passing attack, while an extra lineman could improve pass protection, both of which are critical in a tightly contested rivalry.