MSU's Fitzgerald Discusses Spring Practice Progress, Scrimmage Plans

The Spartans' head coach provided an update on the team's status and outlook for potential scrimmages.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:34pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in bold colors depicts the chaotic movements and overlapping perspectives of a college football practice, conveying the challenge of implementing new systems.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the intensity and energy of Michigan State's spring football practice as the team installs new offensive and defensive schemes.East Lansing Today

Michigan State football head coach Pat Fitzgerald spoke to reporters following the team's seventh spring practice, discussing the progress made so far and the possibility of holding a scrimmage before the end of spring ball. Fitzgerald noted the team is dealing with some injury issues on the offensive line that may impact their ability to hold a full scrimmage, but said they are finding ways to keep those players involved. The focus remains on installing the new offensive and defensive schemes under new coordinators Nick Sheridan and Joe Rossi.

Why it matters

Spring practice is a critical time for college football teams to implement new systems, evaluate talent, and prepare for the upcoming season. Fitzgerald's update provides insight into how the Spartans' transition is progressing and the challenges they face in getting all players fully healthy and integrated into the new schemes.

The details

Fitzgerald said the team has held seven of its 15 scheduled spring practices so far, with the remaining sessions set for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays leading up to the April 18 Spring Showcase at Spartan Stadium. While pleased with the overall effort, Fitzgerald acknowledged there is still a lot of work to be done on the details and fundamentals as the new offensive and defensive installs continue. The head coach is hopeful the team can hold at least one scrimmage, likely in the final two weeks of spring ball, but said that will depend on the health of the offensive line, which is currently dealing with several injuries.

  • Michigan State has held 7 of its 15 scheduled spring practices so far.
  • The remaining spring practices will take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
  • The team's Spring Showcase is scheduled for April 18 at Spartan Stadium.

The players

Pat Fitzgerald

The head coach of the Michigan State football team, overseeing the team's progress and preparations during spring practice.

Nick Sheridan

The new offensive coordinator for Michigan State, responsible for installing the team's new offensive scheme.

Joe Rossi

The new defensive coordinator for Michigan State, responsible for implementing the team's new defensive system.

Nick Tabacca

The offensive line coach for Michigan State, working with the players dealing with injuries on the offensive line.

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What they’re saying

“Collectively as a group, I've been pleased. Obviously, a lot of the little things and details, we have a long way to go. But heavy, heavy install right now with scheme, heavy install with fundamental and technique, and then coming together collectively in all three phases.”

— Pat Fitzgerald, Head Coach

“Well, I hope to be able to scrimmage, you know, probably the second to last week in the last week of spring ball. But that'll all be dictated based on the health, primarily right now, of our o-line. I think we've got seven or eight guys that are full, and then the rest of the guys are limited in some aspects.”

— Pat Fitzgerald, Head Coach

“We've got our own linemen out in 7-on-7, getting a pass set on air, bending their knees, doing some things because they can do drills on air. So just getting them involved, getting them engaged, putting pads on, and putting a helmet on.”

— Pat Fitzgerald, Head Coach

What’s next

If the offensive line injuries improve, Michigan State hopes to hold at least one scrimmage during the final two weeks of spring practice before the team's Spring Showcase on April 18.

The takeaway

Despite some injury challenges, Michigan State is making progress in installing its new offensive and defensive schemes under the leadership of head coach Pat Fitzgerald and new coordinators Nick Sheridan and Joe Rossi. The team's ability to hold a meaningful scrimmage before the end of spring will be an important milestone in their preparations for the upcoming season.