Jonathan Smith breaks down pitch to Michigan State recruits

As Michigan State gets set to head into the post-Mel Tucker era, new coach Jonathan Smith is getting his feet under himself and learning how to sell his new program.

To that end, he’s had to do plenty of research about Michigan State’s rich history. But he’s also leaned on his own past.

In recruiting, it’s a constant pendulum between recruiting to the vision of the program and your past track record of success.

“You sell them both,” Jonathan Smith said at Big Ten Media Days. “One, they’re always looking into your background and your approach, and not just myself, but the staff and what they’ve been able to develop as individuals, as players developing and going and playing at the highest level, the National Football League. From a program side, the approach and the day-to-day development on and off the field, what we deeply believe in. And how we’re going to do it at Michigan State.”

From a recruiting standpoint, Smith has done a decent job of filling the 2025 recruiting class so far. The Spartans boast 15 commitments currently.

Of course, the program will be hoping for a little more pop with some of its upcoming commitments; the current class lacks any four- or five-star players at the moment.

Jonathan Smith provided an outline of what he’ll be selling to those prospects.

“Speak deeply into Michigan State’s tradition, passionate fanbase, the resources, the location, the conference,” he said. “There’s a lot to sell at Michigan State.”

Jonathan Smith: Players want a culture change

One of the things that should make Smith’s transition to the Michigan State post a little easier is that his players seem ready for a change.

Things were pretty tumultuous under the former coach, with Tucker doing a decent job providing ample distractions with his alleged off-the-field behavior.

Players are ready to center back in on football.

“I felt the response from a lot of the guys that they were looking for a fresh start, kind of a different direction,” Jonathan Smith said. “They were receptive. Again, I think as time goes on opportunity and our approach and the consistency of it, those that’ll be here for the long haul will improve and develop.”

Michigan State will begin its season — and the Smith tenure — with a contest against Florida Atlantic on Aug. 30.