Mel Tucker evaluates where Michigan State's QB competition stands

Mel Tucker is letting fall camp decide who Michigan State‘s quarterback will be in 2023. With the regular season rapidly approaching, it’s coming down to the wire for a final decision.

Following the first day of fall training, Tucker updated the status of his competition and singled out three quarterbacks that have stood out above the rest this offseason.

“What I saw today was really good competition. I was really impressed with those guys,” Tucker said after the first day of fall camp. “Jay Johnson is an excellent coach, he’s a great teacher, and I’ve seen him bring Noah [Kim] along, Katin [Houser] along, and Sam [Leavitt] has gotten better since he’s been here for a short period of time working with him over the summer.

“So, it’s a very good competition. Lots of balls being thrown, lots of really good communication and being on the same page with the formations, the checks. It was good work out of the group.”

During Big Ten media days, Tucker called Kim a “winner,” that understands Michigan State’s culture and system. His hyper-competitive attitude mixed with a strong arm and ability to make plays with his feet make him a perfect candidate for the starting job — but more importantly, he never tries to do too much. Tucker can always count on him to make a safe play.

While Tucker is confident in Kim’s abilities — that doesn’t mean he’s the clear starter. Houser, who enters his second year with the program, has the wow factor working in his favor.

“He makes throws in practice and the coaches are looking around and saying, ‘Did you see that? Did he really do that?’” Tucker said during Big Ten media days. “He’s a big, strong kid, he’s really, really competitive, he’s smart and he has a lot of confidence in himself. He can make all the throws.”

Then the Spartans have Leavitt, an incoming true freshman and former four-star recruit, who is waiting in the wings for his opportunity in a year or two. It’s his job to focus on himself and become comfortable with Michigan State’s schemes. He’ll be a pivotal practice body for the Spartans’ scout team throughout the season but has the potential to be more.

Regardless, Tucker only has three more weeks of camp before he will be forced to make his final decision. The Spartans will open their season on Sept. 1 against Central Michigan at home.