EAST LANSING ~ MSU invites alumni back to East Lansing for homecoming this weekend, including a former Spartan quarterback–only now, he’s in orange. With identical 2-3 records, including 0-2 marks in the Big Ten, Illinois is numerically MSU’s closest matchup so far this season.
Both teams are looking to even their records with a win, and MSU is aiming to end its three‑game losing streak. Two new starting quarterbacks will lead their offenses. Illinois’ fifth‑year senior Katin Houser, who played for MSU in 2022 and 2023, returned to the Big Ten this season after a stop at East Carolina. He threw for 1,130 yards as a Spartan sophomore and has added 1,246 yards in just five games at Illinois, making his air game a clear threat to MSU’s defense.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
(CONTINUED) MSU sophomore Alessio Milivojevic, promoted late last season, is in his first full year as the Spartans’ starting quarterback. He has shared snaps with veteran backup Cam Fancher, adding flexibility to the offense, though that rotation may be limited this week. Fancher was listed as questionable on Thursday’s availability report after suffering a non‑contact knee injury against Wisconsin.
Also listed as questionable are starting cornerback Tre Bell and captain linebacker Jordan Hall. With multiple defensive contributors uncertain or unavailable, MSU’s depth will be tested as it works to keep Houser and the Illini out of the end zone.
The Spartans host the Fighting Illini at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in East Lansing. Live tailgate coverage on 760 WJR begins at 12:30 p.m.
