Michigan State's Makhi Frazier, center, runs for a big gain during the second quarter in the game against Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Oct. 26, 2025 ~ Michigan State showed grit and flashes of promise in Saturday night’s rivalry showdown against No. 25 Michigan, but ultimately fell 31-20 at Spartan Stadium. The loss marks the fourth straight defeat to the Wolverines, but the Spartans remained resilient throughout, keeping the game competitive into the final quarter.
Sophomore running back Makhi Frazier was a bright spot for the Spartans, rushing for a career-high 109 yards, including a 49-yard burst that set up Michigan State’s first touchdown. Junior quarterback Aidan Chiles added a 1-yard scoring run and threw for 130 yards, while freshman backup Alessio Milivojevic connected with junior tight end Michael Masunas for a 21-yard touchdown late in the game. Chiles also made an impact with his physicality, recalling a key moment: “Base play, handing the ball off. He came back and just, decided to lead block. Helped him get a few more yards.”
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(CONTINUED) Defensively, the Spartans held their own for much of the game but struggled to contain Michigan’s powerful rushing attack. Junior Justice Haynes and sophomore Jordan Marshall combined for 262 yards and three touchdowns, including a 56-yard dagger from Marshall in the fourth quarter. “I think the defense did a well enough job stopping the run,” junior linebacker Jordan Hall said. Despite the effort, Michigan’s ground game proved too much, outgaining MSU 276 to 115 on the ground.
Penalties also plagued Michigan State, with 12 flags for 105 yards, including a costly offsides call that erased a fumble recovery and led to a Michigan touchdown. The Spartans’ inability to string together a complete performance, with offensive and defensive execution rarely aligning, has been a recurring theme this season. “We’re not frustrated,” said Hall. “We’re just going to keep attacking each week. Of course we want things to go differently, but if you go into that with frustration, things will never be done.”
Now sitting at 3-5 overall and 0-5 in Big Ten play, Michigan State faces a critical stretch as it heads to Minnesota next weekend. With bowl eligibility still mathematically possible, the Spartans are focused on growth and consistency. “We’re gonna go in there Sunday, tomorrow, have the same process, digest the film, and continue to get better as the weeks go on,” Hall added. The team remains strong, even as the challenges mount in a season defined by adversity and opportunity.
