NFL Legend Jon Gruden Shares Strong MSU Basketball Take

Because of their perfect season thus far, NFL legend Jon Gruden has some strong feelings about the state of MSU basketball.
Former NFL Coach Jon Gruden have a laugh while attending an NFL training camp session ten at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Former NFL Coach Jon Gruden have a laugh while attending an NFL training camp session ten at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Michigan State Spartans have started their season on a winning streak, remaining perfect through their first seven games with a big win against the 16th-ranked North Carolina.

This is their third win against a ranked opponent of the year, and the second time that they have won in dominant fashion, which has drawn out some big names to praise them.

MSU, Jeremy Fears Jr
Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) hypes up the crowd during the second half of the Fort Myers Tip-Off Beach Division game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on Fort Myers, Fla., on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. | Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Such praisers of MSU have ranged from the legendary alumni Magic Johnson to the iconic sports broadcaster Dick Vitale, and a new name has recently been added to the list: NFL legend Jon Gruden.

Gruden may have his legacy in football, but it does not mean that he can't be excited about basketball, and his footprint on social media proves just that.

What Gruden Has Brought To Social Media

Some of the reasons why Gruden is so fired up about MSU basketball are listed below in statistical depth from their most recent win.

Reason One As To Why Gruden Is So Excited: Defense Has Been Lockdown

  • At the beginning of the season, the Spartans' defensive prowess was just good enough to squeak out a win against Arkansas.
  • However, they have only improved since then, their match against the Tar Heels being one of the best examples.
MS
Nov 25, 2025; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; East Carolina Pirates guard Jordan Riley (12) shoots the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the first half at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
  • In their game with North Carolina, MSU only let up 58 points to a team that had been incredibly explosive up until that game and averaged upwards of 80 to even 90 points.
  • So to limit such a team as the Tar Heels is not only an accomplishment, but something to be extremely excited about just as Gruden is.

Reason Two As To Why Gruden Is So Excited: Three Point Shooting Has Been Immaculate

MSU, Jaxon Kohle
Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler (0) celebrates a three point basket against Auburn during the first half of the Elite Eight round of NCAA tournament at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, March 30, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
  • Another place that the Spartans struggled with early in the season was three-point shooting, only making enough points to scrape by in wins, especially their one-point victory against the Razorbacks.
  • But against North Carolina, as well as Kentucky, MSU was draining shots from everywhere beyond the arc.
MSU, Jaxon Kohle
Michigan State Spartans forward Jaxon Kohler (0) shoots a three point basket during the second half of the Fort Myers Tip-Off Beach Division game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on Fort Myers, Fla., on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. | Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
  • They made 50% of their three-point shots after all, and if they can keep that up for the rest of the season, then it is no kidding that Gruden is excited, and a big reason as to why fans should be excited too.
MSU, Jaxon Kohle
Nov 25, 2025; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Jaxon Kohler (0) reacts to guard Divine Ugochukwu (99) after a basket against the East Carolina Pirates in the first half at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

There is much more to be excited about with the Spartans basketball squad, especially with players like Jeremy Fears Jr. and Jaxon Kohler, and if the team keeps on playing as well as they have been they will keep on earning praises from big names like Jon Gruden on the way to a championship run.

Keep up with all our content when you follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be sure to share your thoughts on Jon Gruden's praises for MSU when you join our community group, Go Green Go White, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE. Don't forget to give us a follow on X @MSUSpartansOnSI as well.


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Nathan Berry
NATHAN BERRY

Nathan Berry is a senior at NCCS and was raised a Michigan State Spartan fan. With a great interest in sports and writing, journalism is a great avenue to pursue both.