What were the recruiting violations committed by Michigan State under Mel Tucker?

The NCAA found that Tucker's program provided over $10,000 in impermissible recruiting inducements, including airfare and lodging for recruits, and that former staff members offered to pay for a recruit's family vacation and provided plane fare for three recruits and their families.

What are the penalties imposed on Michigan State by the NCAA?

Michigan State was placed on a 3-year probation, had 14 wins vacated from the 2022-2024 seasons, and must pay a $30,000 fine and 1.5% of the football program's budget. Former head coach Mel Tucker, former general manager Saeed Khalif, and former assistant coach Brandon Jordan also received show-cause penalties ranging from 3 to 6 years.

How has Michigan State's performance been in recent years?

After going 11-2 in 2021, the Spartans have won a combined 17 games over the past four seasons under three different head coaches.

Home / Sports / Michigan State Penalized for Recruiting Violations Under Mel Tucker

Michigan State Penalized for Recruiting Violations Under Mel Tucker

13 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Michigan State on 3-year probation for recruiting violations
$10,000+ in improper benefits, including airfare and lodging for recruits
14 wins vacated from 2022-2024 seasons

Michigan State Penalized for Recruiting Violations Under Mel Tucker

In a ruling announced on November 13, 2025, the NCAA has handed down punishments to Michigan State University for recruiting violations that took place during the Mel Tucker era. Tucker, who was fired from his head coaching position in the middle of the 2023 season, was found to have committed multiple infractions while leading the Spartans' football program.

The NCAA investigation revealed that between 2021 and 2023, Tucker's staff provided over $10,000 in impermissible recruiting inducements, including airfare and lodging for a pair of players who had unofficial visits with the school. Additionally, former general manager and player personnel director Saeed Khalif offered to pay for one recruit's family vacation and provided about $3,075 for plane fare for three recruits and their family members. All three of these players ultimately attended Michigan State and participated in 26 games while ineligible.