Michigan State and Toledo meet this Friday on FS1, signaling a fresh start for both football programs. Both squads feature new coaching staffs and rosters modified by the transfer portal.
The Cam Edwards factor and the 97th-ranked offensive reset
Michigan State is looking to fix an offense that struggled significantly during the 2025 season. According to the report, the Spartans' offensive line finished 97th nationally in total yardage last year. To combat this, Pat Fitzgerald has brought in a new play-caller with coaching experience at both Alabama and Indiana.
The centerpiece of this revamped unit is expected to be UConn transfer Cam Edwards. Edwards arrives in East Lansing as a high-impact running back, having amassed 1,240 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns for the Huskies last season. he will be joined by a group of transfer additions, including Brandon Tullis, Marvis Parrish from Western Kentucky, and Jaziun Patterson from Iowa, all looking to support the new offensive scheme.
Andrew Zock and the Mercer-to-Toledo defensive pipeline
Toledo's transition to Mike Jacobs brings a specific brand of defensive continuity to the Rockets. jacobs, who brings 11 years of experience at the Division II and FCS levels, has brought defensive coordinator Jahmal Brown with him from Mercer. As the report states, several players have also followed the staff from Mercer to Toledo to maintain a cohesive unit.
The most notable addition to the Toledo defense is Andrew Zock, a defensive lineman and recent Buck Buchanan Award winner. Zock's dominant performance last season included 20 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. The Rockets have also bolstered their secondary by adding former Michigan State safety Armorion Smith through the transfer portal, providing the team with a veteran presence in the defensive backfield.
Michigan State's thin defensive line and the seven-starter turnover
While Toledo builds on continuity, Michigan State faces a massive talent gap in its defensive front. The report notes that seven of the Spartans' expected defensive starters were playing for other programs in 2025. This turnover is most acute at the defensive tackle position, where the roster contains only two scholarship players with notable college experience.
This lack of depth could be a significant liability for Pat Fitzgerald's squad. Because the defensive line typically requires a rotation of three to five players, the Spartans may be forced to rely heavily on a very small group of contributors duuring the early stages of the season.
Who will lead the Spartans' revamped offensive line?
Several questions remain regarding the immediate chemistry of the Michigan State roster. While the Spartans' quarterback showed promise in 2025 with 986 passing yards and seven touchdowns, the supporting cast has been almost entirely replaced. Only wide receiver Chrishon McCray and offensive lineman Conner Moore are returning starters on that side of the ball.
The stability of the offensive line is a particular point of uncertainty. Conner Moore is projected to shift from right tackle to left guard, and the unit is expected to undergo a complete reshuffle. It remains to be seen if this new group can provide the protection necessary for the Spartans to execute their new offensive vision.
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