Pat Fitzgerald Begins Tenure as Michigan State Football Head Coach

Pat Fitzgerald was appointed Michigan State University's 27th head football coach on Dec. 1, 2025. He will lead the Spartans into preseason camp on Aug. 6, 2026, with the season opener scheduled for Sept. 4 against Toledo at Spartan Stadium. Fitzgerald arrives after a 17‑year stint at Northwestern (2006‑2022), where he amassed 110 wins, ten bowl appearances and two Big Ten West titles.

The 2026 roster features returning quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, senior linebacker Jordan Hall, and 32 incoming transfers across offense and defense. Analysts have projected the team's early results, predicting a 31‑17 win over Toledo in Fitzgerald's debut and outlining potential scores for the rest of the schedule.

The coaching change marks a major shift for the program, which has not reached a bowl game in four seasons, and sets the stage for a turnaround under Fitzgerald's leadership.