4 Crucial Players To Boost Michigan State's Offense

The Spartans are searching for a bowl game this year, which will require all aspects of their team to level up in proportion to the goal, but more than anything, their offense needs to take a massive leap to keep up with the powerhouses of the Big Ten.

This being said, the quest for a better season will not be founded on the backs of new transfers, or, in a different manner of speaking, it will not be founded on transfers; instead, it will find ways to build on itself through them on the foundation of some of MSU's veterans.

MSU, Brandon Tulli — Nov 22, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Brandon Tullis (7) runs the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

So which veterans will be most important to the offense's success this year, and what could happen to the team if they struggle, fail, or get injured?

Pillar Number One: Luka Vincic/Conner Moore

MSU, Luka Vinci — Sep 6, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State offensive lineman Luka Vincic (70) celebrates a double-overtime victory over Boston College at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Luka Vincic and Connor Moore have both been with the Spartans for at least a year and have experienced the chaos of the offensive line, and both have returned to help fix the problem with newer, stronger pieces at their sides. It's worth noting that Vincic is still recovering from an injury sustained last season.

Regardless, they form the first pillar of the offense as the veterans on the offensive line with the talent to do their part and the knowledge of the team to lead the others in fulfilling their roles.

Without them, the offensive line will end up in a similar state to last year, with the pocket breaking constantly and the pass attack getting stifled. But with them, the offense is poised for something greater.

Pillar Number Two: Chrishon McCray

Every quarterback needs a reliable weapon, and Chrishon McCray is exactly that surefire weapon for MSU, with his long-time collegiate experience and a previous season with MSU, in which he quickly earned a starting role and a lot of trust from former MSU QB Aidan Chiles.

Now, without Nick Marsh and Omari Kelly in front of him, McCray is set to be MSU's top receiver, and if his average yards per catch from last season says anything, being at 13.8 on 24 receptions, he is ready to explode and be one of the Big Ten's better receivers.

Without him, the team would struggle, especially in the receiving and quarterback rooms, because it would lack a leader in that area and would leave things to players who have not had much experience in the spotlight. With him, though, MSU is ready to improve.

Pillar Number Three: Alessio Milivojevic

MSU, Alessio Milivojevi — Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic looks on during football practice on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, in East Lansing. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

It comes as no surprise that the third pillar of the team is Alessio Milivojevic, MSU's quarterback, who played well enough last year, with a few 200+ yard performances, and earned the starting role this year. He has a lot to prove.

He's the engine of the team, and the hopes of the offense rely on him. If he plays poorly, the offense will suffer.

Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic looks to throw during the football Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

However, he has his other two pillars in Luka Vincic/Conner Moore and Chrishon McCray right beside him, with whom he already has chemistry, and by playing alongside them, he is set up to succeed instead of fail.

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