TOC Writers’ 2025 Season Projections

The school year began yesterday on the banks of the Red Cedar, and in just three days, the lights go on at Spartan Stadium for the 2025 season opener! The Only Colors has broken down the MSU roster and shared some information on each of the 12 opponents on this season’s schedule. Now it is time for us to predict how it will all go down.

For this article, the four TOC writers – Mike, Steve, Lucas, and O – will answer a series of questions pertaining to the season ahead. Some questions are about team

performance and some of them are for individual performances. Lastly, there are a couple questions about the conference and national outlook. For each question, you will have the chance to chime in with your predictions.

Let’s get to it…

1. What will MSU’s regular season record be?

Mike: 8-4

Steve: 5-7

Lucas: 7-5

O: 6-6. I still have too many concerns on the defensive unit.

2. Will MSU go to a bowl game?

Mike: Yes

Steve: No

Lucas: Yes

O: Yes, but it may come down to winning the season finale against Maryland at Ford Field.

3. Will MSU beat um?

Mike: Yes

Steve: No

Lucas: Yes

O: Yes. I think karma comes to collect from um this year.

4. Will Aidan Chiles pass for over/under 3,000 yards? (2024 = 2,415)

Mike: Not quite, I’m thinking ~ 2800-2900

Steve: Agree with Mike, 2851

Lucas: Over. With even a slight improvement in O-Line play, 3,000 is doable for Aidan.

O: I think he just gets there.

5. Will MSU have a RB rush for over 1,000 yards? (2024 = No)

Mike: No

Steve: No

Lucas: No, but both Tau-Tolliver and Clarizio clear 500.

O: No, four guys get playing time trying to keep everyone fresh. Clarizio will lead the way around 800.

6. How many yards will MSU rush for as a team (2024 = 1,384)

Mike: 1800 – one guy gets close to 1000 and then perhaps two guys split most of the rest but Chiles also doesn’t get sacked as much and gains some yards on the ground.

Steve: I will believe it when I see it and hope I eat my words. Until I see the O-Line in action and what happens in the backfield I’m going to say 1,478

Lucas: I agree with Mike on the 1,800 number. ET-T and Clarizio lead the way, combining for 1000-1200. Chiles will be third on the stat sheet if he can stay healthy and be effective in the QB run game, and Frazier/Tullis pick up the rest of the slack.

O: Could come close to 2,000. If Clarizio gets 800 and Frazier, Tullis, and Tau-Tolliver average 400 each, that would get it done.

7. Will Nick Marsh have over 1,000 yards receiving (2024 = 649)

Mike: No, comes up just short, like 900

Steve: I’m going to say yes here with some lucky long balls helping.

Lucas: No. He’ll continue to make the big time plays, but lose some targets to a stronger WR room all around. 750-850 range.

O: I’ll take the over. I think this offense may find itself in some shootouts and Chiles’ #1 weapon won’t be the sole focus of opposing defenses like he was last year.

8. Who will be MSU’s 2nd leading receiver?

Mike: Omari Kelly, then Rodney Bullard, then Velling

Steve: Agree with O on this one, Velling will have a nice year.

Lucas: Omari Kelly, with Velling and Chrishon McCray close behind.

O: Velling. I predicted him as the #1 receiver when we did this last year and he ended up 3rd. He should benefit from a stronger all-around receiver room.

9. Who will be MSU’s leading tackler?

Mike: Wayne Matthews III

Steve: Wayne Matthews III

Lucas: Jordan Hall

O: Wayne Matthews III. Last year, the top two tacklers were LBs. The top spot should come from that room again.

10. Who will lead MSU in interceptions?

Mike: I’ll say Nikai Martinez – hopefully his injury doesn’t linger. If Martinez is out a while then Malik Spencer.

Steve: Malik Spencer

Lucas: Malik Spencer- predicting a breakout season for the senior.

O: I think this is where I am most concerned. Last year, only 5 players had at least 1 INT, with 3 being the leader. 4 were DBs and there was 1 LB. Just to predict something bold, I will say a LB leads the team in INTs this year.

11. Who will be the Big Ten champion?

Mike: Ohio State. They beat Penn State again. And Michigan.

Steve:Penn State

Lucas: Penn State. With tOSU and Oregon breaking in new QBs, Drew Allar’s experience makes the difference.

O: Penn State. QB Drew Allar takes the next step.

12. Who will be the National Champion?

Mike: OSU repeats. Then Ryan Day bounces for . . . Penn State. And fires Jim Knowles. How’s that?

Steve: I am leaning toward Penn State, but to avoid chalk, I’m going to say Notre Dame. If they get past Miami they could make a run.

Lucas: Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers put a stop to the Big Ten title streak.

O: Texas over Penn State in the title game. 1 word: Manning.

If you would like to copy these questions for your comment, here is a blank form:

1. What will MSU’s regular season record be?