Jacob Cotsonika

Jacob Cotsonika

Joined: Aug 16, 2025

A 2025 graduate from Michigan State University, Cotsonika brings a wealth of experience covering the Spartans from Rivals and On3 to his role as Michigan State Spartans Beat Writer on SI. At Michigan State, he was also a member of the world-renowned Spartan marching band for two seasons.

Michigan State's new football coach Pat Fitzgerald addresses the crowd during a timeout in the first half of the Spartans basketball game against Iowa on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Jan 27, 2026; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) reacts after a play against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

Sep 13, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Sparty, the Michigan State mascot waves a Michigan State flag following a victory over Youngstown State at Spartan Stadium.

Michigan State's head coach Tom Izzo slaps hands with fans before the game against Ohio State on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Nov 15, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State mascot Sparty runs out onto the field before a game against Penn State at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

The Spartans are recruiting this linebacker from Pennsylvania pretty hard.

Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. moves the ball against Purdue during the first half on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Jeremy Fears Jr. vs. Braden Smith is about as good as it gets.

Michigan State's Carson Cooper scores against Ohio State during the second half on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Basketball

Here's where the Spartans are slotted to end up in the latest round of brackets.

Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. looks on during a game against Ohio State at the Breslin Center on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.

The Spartans' lack of consistency is a growing problem as March draws closer and closer.

Howell's Bryce Kish (22) breaks away from the Brighton defense for a touchdown Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.

The Spartans are getting a very promising recruit from the state on campus for an official visit.

Michigan State's Ryker Lee, right, moves the puck against Notre Dame's Pano Fimis during the third period on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at the Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing.

How the Spartans can clinch Big Ten title this weekend.

Michigan State offensive lineman Matt Allen (64) celebrates the 37-33 win over Michigan at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021.

Spartans, Fitzgerald bring back former lineman to restore respect in trenches.

Michigan State's Jalyn Brown (23) dribbles the ball during a game against UCLA at the Breslin Center on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026.

Basketball

Spartans add another victory over ranked foe.

Michigan State's Coen Carr, right, shoots as Ohio State's Amare Bynum defends during the first half on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Here's where Michigan State ended up being ranked after a nice UCLA win and a so-so performance against the Buckeyes.

Michigan State Spartans head football coach Pat Fitzgerald addresses the crowd during a men's basketball game against the Iowa Hawkeyes on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. Fitzgerald had been formally introduced earlier that day.

Michigan State's head coach wants to see players take a role in setting the team's culture and values.

Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. looks for the foul after a shot against Ohio State during the first half on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

The Spartans' point guard definitely didn't seem happy with how the team played on Sunday.

Michigan State's Carson Cooper, left, pumps his fist after time runs out in the Spartans win over Ohio State on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

The Spartans only have so much time to improve before it's time for the final tests of the season.