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.

As a result of these violations, the NCAA has placed Michigan State on a three-year probation period. The school must also surrender $30,000 and 1.5 percent of the football program's budget. Furthermore, the NCAA has vacated 14 program wins from the 2022 to 2024 seasons, which includes all five wins from Jonathan Smith's first year as head coach. Tucker, Khalif, and former assistant coach Brandon Jordan have all received show-cause penalties, ranging from three to six years in length.