2023 Michigan State Spartans football team

The 2023 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University in the East Division of the Big Ten Conference during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Spartans played their home games at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.

The Spartans were led by Mel Tucker through the first two games of the season; Tucker was suspended without pay on September 10 and was fired for cause on September 27 following disclosures relating to alleged sexual harassment. Defensive backs coach Harlon Barnett was appointed interim head coach, and former head coach Mark Dantonio agreed to return as the team's associate head coach.

The Spartans finished the season 4–8, 2–7 in Big Ten play to finish in sixth place in the East division. They failed to qualify for a bowl game for the third time in four years.

On November 26, the school named Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith the team's new head coach.

Coaching changes
On January 4, defensive line coach Marco Coleman left MSU to join his alma mater, Georgia Tech, as their defensive line coach. On January 25, the school named Stanford defensive line coach Diron Reynolds the team's new defensive line coach. On March 4, pass rush specialist coach Brandon Jordan left to take a job with the Seattle Seahawks. On March 16, the school named former Buffalo Bills safeties coach Jim Salgado as the new cornerbacks coach.

Outgoing
On April 30, the final day to declare for the transfer portal, two-year starting quarterback Payton Thorne announced he was entering the portal. Wide receiver Keon Coleman also announced he would transfer. Source

Incoming
Source

2023 NFL draft
Following the conclusion of the season, several players declared for the NFL draft. Three players were selected in the draft.

Several other undrafted players signed free agent contracts with NFL teams:


 * Jarrett Horst, offensive lineman, Miami Dolphins
 * Jacob Slade, defensive lineman, Arizona Cardinals
 * Kendell Brooks, safety, Arizona Cardinals
 * Xavier Henderson, safety, Washington Commanders
 * Ben VanSumeren, linebacker, Philadelphia Eagles