MSU Needs LB Hall to Return to Peak Performance in 2025

The 2024 season was one to forget for Michigan State’s football team as they

failed to reach their full potential under Jonathan Smith in his first year in East Lansing. With that season now behind them, the Spartans must shift their focus to what lies ahead.

MSU finished near the bottom of the Big Ten standings and struggled defensively, allowing an average of 26.1 points per game. Moving forward, the team will need one of their linebackers to bounce back in Year 3 to improve their defense.

The linebacker in question is soon-to-be junior Jordan Hall. Hall had an impressive debut season with the Spartans, but his performance saw a decline in his second year. For MSU to enhance their defense, Hall must be a key contributor.

In his first season with the program, Hall recorded 67 total tackles, including 31 solos, one pass defended, one forced fumble, and 4.5 sacks. His 67 tackles were enough to tie for 35th in the Big Ten rankings.

However, Hall’s second season was a step backward, mirroring the overall regression of the team. He finished with just 24 tackles, 13 of them solo, and no sacks. On a positive note, he did manage to increase his passes defended, adding one more than the previous season.

The 6-3, 236-pound linebacker will aim to get his performance back on track. As an upperclassman, Hall will have gained valuable experience, allowing him to refine his approach heading into the final years of his college career.

For Coach Smith, maximizing Hall’s potential will be crucial. If Hall can return to his freshman form, he could become a significant threat for MSU as he enters Year 3, where leadership and greater expectations will be key as a veteran presence on the defense.