Maryland vs. Michigan State: players to know ahead of 2025 regular season finale

Joseph Luber
34 minutes ago
3 min read

After a rough month of October and November, the Terps will look to end the season on somewhat of a high note at Ford Field in Detroit this Saturday to face Michigan State. Maryland is a 3.5-point underdog this weekend, according to FanDuel. This is a Michigan State Spartan team that has had a disappointing season, much like the Terrapins. In year two under Head Coach Jonathan Smith, the Spartans enter Saturday with a 3-8 record in 2025, while Mike Lockley's squad comes into this matchup with a 4-7 record.

Head coach Mike Locksley previously noted that two conference wins would be a success, calling it "slow progress and progress is moving forward." But can Maryland make that as a reality with Maryland, who enters 1-3 as road underdogs in 2025, looking to pick up its first win since September? We take at names to know ahead of Saturday, starting with the Spartans' ehad coach.

HC Jonathan Smith: This is Jonathan Smith's second season in East Lansing, leading the Spartans in 2025. Although he laid a strong foundation for the program during his first year in 2024, 2025 has been rocky with many fans calling for his job just two seasons into his tenure. Smith was a promising hire for the Spartans in 2023, as he was very successful as the head coach at Oregon State, where he was named the 2022 PAC-12 Co-Coach of the Year. Smith built Oregon State into one of the top teams in the PAC-12 before the conference ultimately dismantled. Known for developing talent, the 46-year-old head coach has coached 10 All-Americans, 20 NFL Draft picks, and more than 100 all-conference selections in his career. Although 2025 hasn't gone as planned, getting that 4th win this week is a big motivation for Smith and his Spartans.

QB Alessio Milivojevic: Redshirt-Freshman quarterback Alessio Milivojevic is expected to make his 4th consecutive start for Michigan State this weekend. Milivojevic has started the last three games at quarterback for the Spartans. During his three starts, Milivojevic has completed 64 percent of his passes for 694 yards (231.1 ypg), three touchdowns, and one interception. Not that horrible of a stat line. With starting quarterback and team captain Aidan Chiles out with an injury, Milivojevic will look to attack a struggling Maryland secondary with the help of his favorite target, Nick Marsh.

WR Nick Marsh: Sophomore Nick Marsh is arguably the Spartans' best playmaker on their roster this season. Marsh was a standout in his first season in East Lansing, setting program records for most receptions (41) and receiving yards (649) by a true freshman in school history. There was a lot for Michigan State fans to be excited about surrounding Nick Marsh coming into this season. While still being productive, the lack of consistency in the passing game has affected Marsh's numbers this season. With that being said, Marsh still leads the Spartans and ranks tied for 12th in the Big Ten with five receiving touchdowns. It will be crucial for Maryland's secondary to be aware of Marsh's position on the field at all times this weekend.

TE Jack Velling: Senior Tight End Jack Velling is another notable threat for Michigan State. Entering the season, Velling was named to the Mackey Award Watch List for the second year in a row. He now ranks fourth among Big Ten tight ends with 31 catches for 291 yards and two TDs. The senior had new career-highs with eight catches for 88 yards a few weeks back against a very strong Iowa defense. Velling will have a big impact for the Spartans this weekend as he is useful both in the passing game and in the running game as a blocker. Another 88-yard performance from the senior is not a recipe for success if you're Maryland. It will be important that this Terps defense does not let Velling be too productive on them this Saturday.

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