What MSU Fans Need to Know About Penn State’s Smith

Michigan State will face the Penn State Nittany Lions this upcoming weekend, led by not James Franklin, but Terry Smith.

Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Terry Smith prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

The Michigan State Spartans are trying to get a big win against the Penn State Nittany Lions this Saturday. 

Fresh off their second bye week, the Spartans need to win three games to reach a bowl game for the first time since 2021. That will prove difficult against a PSU team that just took Indiana to the brink. 

Like the Spartans, the Nittany Lions are 3-6 and have not won a Big Ten game. Someone will get their first conference victory on Saturday. 

Penn State moved on from James Franklin earlier in the season in a stunning move, so Terry Smith, the team’s former associate head coach, takes over as the interim. Smith is the second interim coach MSU will face this season. 

What should Spartan fans know about Terry Smith? Let’s break down his profile. 

Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith

Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Terry Smith looks on prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Smith previously served as a cornerbacks coach and defensive recruiting coordinator after spending several years as a wide receiver with the university. He caught 108 passes for 1,825 yards and 15 touchdowns with the Nittany Lions. 

Penn State football cornerbacks coach and associate head coach Terry Smith answers a reporter's question in Holuba Hall on Thursday, June 13, 2024, in State College. | Dan Rainville/USA Today Network - PA / USA TODAY NETWORK

Smith briefly played in the NFL with Washington before spending time at multiple coaching spots. He joined the Nittany Lions’ staff in 2014 as the cornerbacks coach. 

He has a 0-3 record since taking over as Penn State’s interim coach. The team played well against the No. 2 team in the country before a ridiculous touchdown catch from the Hoosiers spoiled the Nittany Lions’ upset bid. 

PSU also played well against Ohio State the week prior, falling by a large score after the Buckeyes pulled away in the second half. While the team is playing without starting quarterback Drew Allar, it is competing under Smith. 

He likely won’t get the full-time head coaching job after this season, as Penn State will be a destination in high demand, but the next coach should consider keeping him on the staff. 

The team has not won a game under Smith, but they are competing and appear to like playing for him.

MSU is trying to turn things around, and that will prove difficult against a Nittany Lions team trying to win a game for its interim coach. Smith has done what he can in his time leading the team, and he will have them ready to play.

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