5 Michigan State Players to Watch in Rivalry Game Against Michigan

Spartan Personnel Under Pressure at the Big House

The Michigan State football program enters Saturday’s rivalry matchup against Michigan at 2-6 overall and 0-5 in Big Ten play, marking one of the most challenging stretches in recent memory for the Spartans. With a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff set for Peacock, the game represents the final high-profile opportunity for this squad to alter the narrative of their 2026 season. According to reporting from USA TODAY Network and Yahoo Sports, success for Michigan State will depend on five specific players stepping into elevated roles amidst a mounting injury crisis.

Fredrick Moore’s Return to Michigan

Wide receiver Fredrick Moore stands as a central figure, not only for his production but for his history. Moore, who transferred to Michigan State this offseason after spending three seasons with the Wolverines, will face his former team for the first time. He has started all eight games this year, recording 20 catches for 216 yards and two touchdowns.

The uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position complicates his impact. Starting signal-caller Alessio Milivojevic is listed as questionable, and with backup Cam Fancher out, the Spartans may turn to true freshman Kayd Coffman. When Coffman started against UCLA two weeks ago, Moore was limited to a single catch for nine yards, highlighting the immediate need for a more consistent connection in the passing game this weekend.

Tight End Shifts Following Injury

The injury report has hit the tight end room particularly hard. Jayden Savoury, who is tied for the team lead with 29 receptions and ranks second with 271 receiving yards, was listed as out on Wednesday’s availability report.

This absence elevates Brennan Parachek to the starting role. While Parachek has seen significant snap counts throughout the season, his statistical involvement has been limited to six catches for 62 yards. The coaching staff may also lean on Kai Rios, primarily a blocking specialist, and Carson Gulker, a versatile gadget player who has contributed sparingly on the ground and through the air. The ability of these players to bridge the gap left by Savoury’s absence will be a defining factor in Michigan State’s offensive rhythm.

Michigan State Spartans vs. Michigan Wolverines | COLLEGE FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHTS | 11/7/2026

Kenneth Williams Taking the Backfield Lead

Running back depth has become a primary concern for the Spartans. With top back Cam Edwards out for the season, Jaziun Patterson sidelined for his second consecutive game, and Marvis Parrish nursing an injury from the UCLA contest, the responsibility falls to Kenneth Williams.

Originally recruited from Nebraska to serve primarily as a kickoff return specialist, Williams is now the team’s primary option in the backfield. He logged 54 yards on 17 carries against UCLA and added a touchdown reception, though he also recorded a fumble. His performance against Michigan’s defense will be a critical indicator of whether the Spartans can maintain a balanced attack.

Defensive Front Adjustments

Defensively, Michigan State faces the difficult task of replacing nose tackle Ben Roberts, who was carted off the field in Pasadena after suffering an injury on the game’s opening snap. Sophomore Derrick Simmons, a Frankenmuth, Michigan native, is set to step into the 2i-technique position.

Simmons’ play in the trenches will be pivotal in a rivalry game traditionally decided by physicality at the line of scrimmage. Supporting him, edge rusher Kenny Soares Jr. remains the team’s most effective pass-rushing threat. While his 1.0 sack total may seem modest, Soares leads the team with 24 pressures, a figure that ties him for eighth in the Big Ten. With both teams potentially starting true freshman quarterbacks—Coffman for MSU and Tommy Carr for Michigan—the ability of Soares to disrupt the pocket and force mistakes will be the primary lever for the Spartan defense.