When it comes to future power rankings from ESPN, Michigan State ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten.
Adam Rittenberg of ESPN took a different spin on your typical power rankings that look ahead to just the upcoming season and put together a list for the next two years — which he has labeled as College Football Future Power Rankings through 2026. The key areas Rittenberg is analyzing as part of these future power rankings are:
- Returning quarterback
- Likelihood of a multiyear QB on roster
- Offensive line/defensive line outlook
- Roster management
- Star power (All-Americans, national award contenders, all-conference contenders)
- Coaching staff
So where did Michigan State rank among the 68 power four teams included in the poll? Firmly in the back half at No. 51 nationally — which came out to No. 14 in the Big Ten. Within the Big Ten, the Spartans were ahead of Purdue, Maryland, Wisconsin and Northwestern, and right behind UCLA (two spots nationally).
Here are a few of the notable items Rittenberg called out about the Spartans:
- Likelihood of a multiyear QB: Quite likely. (Aidan) Chiles carries junior eligibility and has great familiarity with Smith, offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren and the staff. His backups are all young players. Chiles could have a breakout season and move on, but few would be surprised if he’s leading the MSU offense in 2026.
- Roster management: Michigan State’s roster has been fairly fluid under Smith, with transfers going in and out, but the team retained wide receiver Nick Marsh, one of its top young playmakers, and several other key holdovers. The team has made some portal gains, especially at spots such as wide receiver, offensive line and defensive back. Smith has been fairly quiet in high school recruiting, although the team has a commitment from ESPN 300 prospect Kayd Coffman for the 2026 class.
- Star power: Michigan State lost All-Big Ten player Newman to the draft and interceptions leader Charles Brantley to the portal (Miami). Marsh and veteran tight end Jack Velling have all-conference potential, and Chiles is a talented quarterback seeking more consistency. MSU will be banking on big production from transfers such as Moore and wide receivers Chrishon McCray and Omari Kelly.
Personally, I would have Michigan State ranked higher than some of the programs Rittenberg slotted ahead of the Spartans. But I also understand the need to see more from Jonathan Smith at Michigan State from a national writer before putting a ton of faith into the Spartans. So it’s a fair ranking, but certainly something I would be very disappointed about should Michigan State be a sub top 50 team nationally by the end of year three under Smith.
Click on the post below to see the complete rankings from Rittenberg and his full write-up on the Spartans:
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