Pat Fitzgerald implements No. 1 jersey tradition at Michigan State
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 31, 2026, 11:46 AM
Last updated Jul 31, 2026
Michigan State football coach Pat Fitzgerald announced a new tradition where players will vote on who deserves to wear the No. 1 jersey, similar to his previous role at Northwestern. This jersey will represent players who embody team values rather than individual talent. Fitzgerald aims to improve the team's culture and performance after a streak of losing seasons. The Spartans will begin their season on September 4 against Toledo, an anticipated game as Fitzgerald seeks to shift team dynamics.
- •Players vote for the No. 1 jersey based on team principles.
- •Fitzgerald emphasizes the importance of team over individual accolades.
- •Michigan State opens its season on September 4 against Toledo.
- •Fitzgerald aims to rebuild the team's culture after recent challenges.
- •Safety Nikai Martinez switched from No. 1 back to No. 21 for personal reasons.
- 11:46 AMYahoo Sports — Pat Fitzgerald brings Northwestern jersey tradition to Michigan State
"Michigan State players will vote for who deserves to wear the No. 1 jersey, a tradition Pat Fitzgerald used to use at Northwestern.
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