Michigan State University football coach Jonathon Smith seen Tuesday, July 29, 2025, during the first day of football practice at the Skandalaris Football Center.
EAST LANSING ~ With a rare pause in the season, head coach Jonathan Smith used the bye week not just to rest his players physically, but to recalibrate the emotional and mental pulse of the team. In Monday’s press conference, Smith spoke candidly about the importance of reflection during this stretch, emphasizing that “sometimes the most important work happens when the pads are off.”
Smith highlighted how the team used the time to revisit fundamentals and build trust. “We didn’t just watch film, we talked,” he said. “We asked questions, we listened. That’s how you grow.” The bye week wasn’t just a break; it was a bridge. Players met in smaller groups, coaches held one-on-one sessions, and the locker room, according to Smith, felt more like a community than it had all season. It was clear he believes that cohesion off the field translates directly to performance on it.
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November 7th, 2025 ~ Anthony shares his conversation with Chris Solari to update us all on Michigan State football that is in flux.
(CONTINUED) When asked about the upcoming matchup against Penn State, Smith didn’t lean into hype. Instead, he focused on readiness. “We’re not chasing perfection. We’re chasing progress,” he said. That mindset grounded and realistic, seems to be the theme of this team’s evolution. Smith acknowledged the challenges ahead but framed them as opportunities to apply what was learned during the bye.
Ultimately, Smith’s press conference painted a picture of a team that’s not just physically recharged, but emotionally aligned. The bye week gave them space to breathe, but also to bond. And as they head into the next phase of the season, Smith’s message is clear: this team is ready not just to play, but to play for each other. As he put it, “We’re not just preparing for a game. We’re preparing to show up for one another.”
