Skip to main content
Michigan State
Join Now

V-Cast: Will Michigan State part ways with Jonathan Smith now that the season is over?

On3 imageby: Paul Konyndyk21 hours agoPKonyndyk

DETROIT – Michigan State (4-8) found a way to win its final game of the 2025 season, escaping Ford Field with a 38-28 win over Maryland to break an eight-game Big Ten losing streak.

The biggest question coming out of this game is whether this was the final game for Jonathan Smith as head coach at Michigan State.

Afterward, SpartanMag.com staffers Jim Comparoni and Paul Konyndyk check in from Ford Field with the latest V-Cast.

V-CAST TOPICS

Alante Brown makes it count: Michigan State senior Alante Brown worked his tail off to return from injury this season, and the dynamic return man made a significant impact the only time he touched the ball in his final collegiate game. When his team needed it most, Brown returned a Maryland kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown with six minutes remaining in the third quarter to give the Spartans 10-point lead after The Terps cut that lead to three points. Brown’s touchdown was an emotional touchstone for the Michigan State sideline, and inspired teammates on both sides of the ball.

Milivojevic takes control: Redshirt freshman quarterback Alessio Milivojevic had his best game as a starting quarterback in the season finale. Milivojevic completed 27-for-39 passes for 292 yards and four touchdowns and one interception. Milivojevic’s final touchdown against Maryland was a 10-yard pass to senior wide receiver Omari Kelly on fourth down. Milivojevic completed touchdown passes to tight ends Kai Rios and Jack Velling and another to Nick Marsh. Milivojevic also made a big play with his feet, moving the chains with an 11-yard gain on third-down in the second half. After this game, Smith indicated that he was impressed with the extent which Milivojevic had command of the game on offense for Michigan State. Milivojevic made confident throws throughout this game, and was able to avoid being sacked for the first as a starter.  

Is Smith done? During his post-game press conference, Smith indicated that he has yet to learn whether he will be back on the Michigan State sideline next season as the head coach of the Spartan football team. Smith stopped short of lobbying to be retained when asked to make any argument for keeping his job. He did, however, point out that this team never quite on him when they had many chances to do so. Smith also pointed to the growth among young players on this roster over the course of the season as evidence that Michigan State can win at a higher level moving forward.

You may also like