What's Happening?
Jonathan Smith, head coach of Michigan State, and Luke Fickell, head coach of Wisconsin, have both experienced significant drops in the CBS Sports 2025 Big Ten Coach Rankings. Smith, who is entering his second season with the Spartans, fell to the 13th position after a challenging debut season where his team posted a 5-7 record. This ranking drop is notable as Smith was previously ranked 7th. The Spartans managed only three conference wins last season against Maryland, Iowa, and Purdue, while losing to major teams like Ohio State, Oregon, and Michigan. Despite the drop, Michigan State's schedule this season is considered favorable as they avoid facing conference powers Ohio State, Oregon, and Illinois. The team is projected to finish tied for 13th in the conference, a slight improvement from last year's 14th place finish.
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Why It's Important?
The drop in rankings for both Jonathan Smith and Luke Fickell highlights the competitive nature of the Big Ten Conference and the pressure on coaches to deliver strong performances. For Michigan State, the ranking impacts the perception of the program and its ability to attract talent and support. A lower ranking can affect recruitment and the morale of the team, as well as the expectations of fans and stakeholders. The favorable schedule this season presents an opportunity for Smith to improve the team's standing and potentially regain a higher ranking. Success in upcoming games against teams like Penn State and Michigan could be pivotal for Smith's future with the Spartans.
What's Next?
Michigan State will face tough matchups against Penn State and Michigan, both of which will be played at home. These games are crucial for Smith to demonstrate his coaching capabilities and improve the team's performance. The outcome of these matches could significantly influence the team's final standing in the conference and Smith's future ranking. Additionally, the performance of starting quarterback Aidan Chiles will be under scrutiny, as he did not make the preseason Big Ten top-10 QB list. Positive results could lead to a reevaluation of the team's prospects and Smith's coaching reputation.
