Home / Sports / FCS Standouts Shine for Michigan State Football
FCS Standouts Shine for Michigan State Football
10 Sep
Summary
- Two Michigan State offensive linemen, Conner Moore and Caleb Carter, previously played at FCS schools
- Both players have earned accolades at the FCS level and are now starting for the Spartans
- Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith does not believe in the "trap game" concept, as FCS teams have upset FBS opponents in recent years
As the Michigan State Spartans prepare to host Youngstown State on September 13, 2025, their offensive line features two key players who have made the jump from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Conner Moore, a 6-foot-5, 306-pound right tackle, arrived at Michigan State with high expectations after earning FCS second-team All-American honors and Freshman All-America recognition at Montana State last season. Meanwhile, Caleb Carter, a 6-foot-3, 305-pound guard, started half of his 36 games over four seasons at Western Carolina before transferring to the Spartans.
Both players have noticed a significant difference in the speed and physicality of the game at the FBS level, but they have quickly adapted and earned starting roles on the Michigan State offensive line. Coach Jonathan Smith, who has extensive experience coaching at the FCS level, believes there is talent at every division and is not concerned about a potential "trap game" against the Penguins.
In recent years, FCS teams have pulled off several notable upsets over their FBS counterparts, including Eastern Michigan's stunning loss to Long Island University earlier this season. The most famous example came in 2007, when Appalachian State stunned then-No. 5 Michigan in Ann Arbor. As the Spartans look to build on their thrilling double-overtime win over Boston College, they will need to be on high alert against a disciplined and well-coached Youngstown State squad.
