Michigan State Faces Kicking Game Uncertainty Ahead 2024 Season

Michigan State football faces significant uncertainty in its kicking game as the 2025 season approaches, following the departure of record-setting kicker Jonathan Kim to the NFL. Head coach Jonathan Smith is overseeing a competition among three kickers—Martin Connington, Tarik Ahmetbasic, and Blake Sislo—but injuries have limited the availability of Connington and Ahmetbasic, leaving the team reliant on the less experienced Sislo. Ahmetbasic is the only competitor with some college game experience, having made a single extra point last season, while Connington redshirted his freshman year despite being a highly ranked recruit. The special teams unit also looks to improve its return game, with transfers like Omari Kelly and players like Alante Brown and Braylon Collier receiving reps to address the team's previous struggles in gaining field position. Coaches emphasize the importance of dependability and availability at the kicker position, but the ongoing injury concerns and lack of experience contribute to doubts about the Spartans' special teams stability. With the season opener less than two weeks away, Michigan State must resolve its kicking situation to avoid jeopardizing its bowl eligibility chances.