Michigan State Football Ranked Low in On3 Preseason Power Rankings

Another voice in the national sports media has weighed in on the challenges facing Michigan State football this season. Ari Wasserman from On3 has shared his preseason Big Ten power rankings, placing the Spartans in a less-than-favorable position as they embark on a new era under head coach Pat Fitzgerald.

Wasserman ranks Michigan State as the 17th team in the conference, just ahead of Purdue, while placing them below Rutgers at 15th and Maryland at 16th. This low ranking reflects a widespread skepticism regarding the Spartans' prospects, especially given their recent history.

Michigan State has the longest active bowl drought in the Big Ten, with their last bowl appearance occurring in 2021 when they finished above .500. The team’s struggles in recent seasons, along with a disappointing performance in the transfer portal, have led analysts, including Wasserman, to doubt their chances for improvement this year.

Despite the grim outlook from some analysts, there are others who maintain a more optimistic view of Michigan State's potential under Fitzgerald. One supporter believes the team could emerge as a middle-tier Big Ten squad and even qualify for a bowl game, which would certainly elevate their standing in future rankings.

To view the complete set of Big Ten power rankings released by Wasserman, follow the link shared by On3.