Pat Fitzgerald reviews National Signing Day and early months at Michigan State

At his first formal press conference since December, Pat Fitzgerald said spring practice will begin March 17 and highlighted the signing of four-star wide receiver Samson Gash.

It's been just over two months since Pat Fitzgerald was formally introduced as Michigan State's head football coach, and he used his first official press conference since Dec. 2 to outline recent activity and plans. In that time he has assembled a coaching staff, added players from the transfer portal, begun winter workouts, and continued recruiting both the 2026 class and prospects for 2027. Wednesday was National Signing Day, and the press conference ran close to 40 minutes as topics ranged beyond the incoming class. Fitzgerald also noted plans for spring practice and a fan-oriented event in lieu of a traditional spring game. Key details: - Fitzgerald said the first spring practice will be Tuesday, March 17, with practices scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for five weeks, placing the 15th practice on April 18. - He indicated there will not be a traditional spring game at Spartan Stadium and described a separate fan event being planned. - Michigan State added 30 players from the transfer portal since his hiring and has begun winter workouts and recruiting for 2027. - The signing of four-star wide receiver Samson Gash was highlighted as a notable National Signing Day addition, and Fitzgerald credited relationships built by staff and family connections in that recruitment. Summary: Fitzgerald has been focused on staffing, roster building and preparing the team for spring work as he begins his first season. The next scheduled step is the start of spring practice on March 17, with the final practice listed for April 18.