One Player To Watch in Each MSU Big Ten Game

The Spartans will be facing a lot of great talent this year.

Jul 29, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Michigan State Football head coach Pat Fitzgerald speaks during Big Ten Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Every team in the Big Ten is loaded with talent and can find a way to upend a team off the performance of one of its big-time players, so here is one such player to look out for in every one of MSU's Big Ten matches this year.

Nebraska Cornhuskers: Kwinten Ives

Sep 6, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Kwinten Ives (28) runs for a touchdown against the Akron Zips during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

• Last year, Ives did not have much time on the field, but when he did, he was reliable for 6.7 yards per carry, an average that is higher than many running backs in the Big Ten, and could prove an issue for MSU if they do not get their eyes on his film and play style come next season.

Wisconsin Badgers: Colton Joseph

Wisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph (1) is shown during practice Thursday, August 13, 2026 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

• Joseph is unproven in the Big Ten, coming from Old Dominion, but that is what makes him the most dangerous out of the Badgers' entire offense. If he is able to play at the level expected of him by the team, which saw enough in his talent to get him to transfer to Wisconsin, MSU could have a challenge set up for them at the earliest point of the mid-season.

Illinois Fighting Illini: Katin Houser

Oct 16, 2025; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; East Carolina Pirates quarterback Katin Houser (4) throws the ball against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane during the first half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

• While not a standout player in other games, Houser will be facing his old team when he goes up against MSU, which could become a problem. Sometimes the only thing someone needs to have an anomaly of a game is motivation, and MSU would be giving him that motivation in one form or another.

Northwestern Wildcats: Aidan Chiles

Nov 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

• The same argument applies to Chiles and the Wildcats except for the much more recent sting of Chiles' departure. He will want to prove that he is better than the team he just left, and he might be able to do so if the Spartans don't play their cards right. This game will be a big test for the team and for QB Alessio Milivojevic.

UCLA Bruins: Wayne Knight

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; James Madison Dukes running back Wayne Knight (3) rushes during the second quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

• Knight is one of the better running backs transferring into the Big Ten this year, and after his great performances with JMU, he is expected to be the engine of UCLA's offense. If he lives up to his hype, Knight will be a threat that could swing the whole game.

Michigan Wolverines: Bryce Underwood

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) looks to pass the ball during the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 18, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

• Underwood was able to top the Spartans last year in their monumental rivalry game, and he will want nothing more than to improve his record against MSU to 2-0, which means the Spartans will need to put extra focus on the QB before he can topple an upset attempt.

Washington Huskies: Dezmen Roebuck

Dec 13, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (81) celebrates after a touchdown in the first half of the LA Bowl against the Boise State Broncos at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

• Roebuck is set up for a breakout season this year, and with that, the ability to turn the tide of games against rebuilding schools such as MSU will be in his arsenal, and the Spartans will need to keep themselves aware of that power.

Oregon Ducks: Dante Moore

Oregon’s Dante Moore runs for a first down during the first half of the Oregon Spring Game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene April 25, 2026 | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

• Moore is one of the best quarterbacks in college football, and he will be the make-or-break player in MSU's game against the Ducks. If he plays poorly, the Spartans might have a chance to compete; if he plays well, MSU will have to pull off a miracle to win.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights: KJ Duff

Nov 29, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver KJ Duff (8) makes a catch as Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Audavion Collins (2) defends during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

• Duff was one of the sneakily better receivers in the Big Ten, and he will likely continue to be this way for the entirety of this season, so MSU cannot afford to underestimate the Scarlet Knights in any way, lest Duff or one of his teammates catch the Spartans off guard. MSU's tactical changes might come in handy here.