Where did MSU football land in CBS Sports' updated Big Ten power rankings?

One national college football writer has low expectations for the Spartans coming out of spring practice. Cody Nagel of CBS Sports released his post spring Big Ten power rankings on Wednesday and let's just say he isn't expecting a ton of on-field success for Michigan State in 2026. Nagel has the Spartans near the bottom of the Big Ten, coming in at No.

17 out of 18 teams in the league. The lone team Michigan State is ahead of in Nagel's power rankings? Purdue -- who the Spartans don't happen to play this upcoming season.

Here's the write up Nagel had on the Spartans: "Yes, Pat Fitzgerald is back in the Big Ten after three years away, but the longtime Northwestern coach still faces a major rebuild in East Lansing. Michigan State hasn't returned to a bowl game since the 2021 season and remains far removed from the league's playoff conversation. A significant roster overhaul was necessary this offseason, though that also means expectations for an immediate turnaround should be tempered.

" It's interesting to see Nagel (and so many other national writers for that matter) down on the Spartans heading into this season. It's not surprising if you look at recent struggles, but it does feel like many aren't putting much equity into the Spartans having an improved coaching staff this fall. Additionally, we should keep in mind that Michigan State was two fourth quarter collapses at Minnesota and Iowa away from reaching a bowl game last fall.