Big Ten Media Days: MSU seeks to be more ‘unified’ in year one under Jonathan Smith

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WLNS) – First-year head coach Jonathan Smith laid out his hopes for the season ahead as Michigan State football took its turn at Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday.

Smith inherits a program looking to put last year behind it as quickly as possible. Following the sexual misconduct complaint that led to Mel Tucker’s suspension and eventual dismissal, the Spartans limped to a 4-8 finish in 2023.

The 2024 version of the Spartans will feature a mix of players Smith has brought in alongside a strong contingent of returning players who stuck with the program through the coaching change.

Smith said Wednesday it’s imperative for the team to create cohesion between those two groups of players.

“We’ve had some new guys arrive [even] this summer, right?” said Smith. “And so with some guys that have been here, new additions in January, new additions in the summer, we really need to come together and build a unified team. That gives you the best chance to win.”

Smith was joined in Indianapolis by players from both categories: two returning starters in defensive back Dillon Tatum and running Nathan Carter, and a player who followed Smith to MSU from Oregon State in tight end Jack Velling.

Tatum was candid about where he feels the culture of the program is at now compared to a year ago.

“I think we like each other a lot more,” said Tatum. “It was really hard last year, a lot of new guys but I think it was a lot of guys that were here just chasing a bag or something. I don’t see that a lot this year. [We have] a lot of good people who are willing to put their first foot forward, put their face in the fan for a guy and go tackle a guy as hard as they can all because they trust the dude behind them.”

“The guys here take a lot of pride in Michigan State, like all of them take a lot of pride in wearing Michigan State across their chest,” added Velling. “It’s just cool to be at a place like that.”

Fall camp begins on Tuesday for Michigan State. The Spartans kick off the 2024 season on Friday, Aug. 30 at home against Florida Atlantic.

“We still have some work to do until that season kicks off,” said Smith. “[I’m] really looking forward, though, to the month of August and fall camp. Spring practice, implementing some scheme, there’s a lot of learning going on, but it’s going to be competitive in August to fill out this depth chart.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.