Michigan State Football Holding 'Spring Showcase' to Cap Spring Ball

Fans can check out MSU's final spring practice on April 18

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Michigan State football will hold a public "spring showcase" on April 18 in Spartan Stadium, marking the 15th and final day of on-field work for new head coach Pat Fitzgerald and the Spartans. The event will feature fan activations and team autographs, replacing the traditional spring game.

Why it matters

This is the first spring practice under Fitzgerald, who took over as MSU's head coach in December 2025 after the Spartans went 4-8 last season. The spring showcase will give fans an early look at Fitzgerald's vision for the program as he works to reshape the team heading into the 2026 season.

The details

MSU will follow a Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday practice schedule this spring, culminating in the April 18 showcase. The event will be free to attend and include various fan activities, in contrast to the traditional split-squad spring game format. Fitzgerald indicated he wanted to maximize the allotted practice time to implement his changes.

  • Michigan State football will hold its first spring practice on March 17, 2026.
  • The 15th and final spring practice will take place on April 18, 2026, with the public spring showcase event.

The players

Pat Fitzgerald

The new head coach of the Michigan State football team, taking over in December 2025 after the Spartans went 4-8 last season.

Joel Welsh Jr.

The new strength coach for the Michigan State football team, hired by Fitzgerald.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a little bit of a blur to think that I've been in the role now for two months with all that we've been able to accomplish. Obviously putting a staff together, that process started in earnest after we put the early signing class into the books and onto the roster, and that was a great exercise for me. The outpouring of interest that I had to interview and then get to know and then really start to solidify short lists by position to make decisions in adding the staff. I really feel like I've added a terrific group of men, husbands, teachers and coaches. So that group has obviously been now working together for quite some time.”

— Pat Fitzgerald, Head Coach (247sports.com)

What’s next

The Spartans will kick off the 2026 season on September 5 at home against Toledo.

The takeaway

Fitzgerald's spring showcase event represents a departure from the traditional spring game format, as he looks to maximize practice time and give fans an early glimpse of his vision for reviving the Michigan State football program after a disappointing 4-8 season in 2025.