Tight end Michael Masunas making an impact for Michigan State's offense

Michigan State redshirt junior tight end Michael Masunas has quickly shown that he is a complete tight end, as he contributes as both a pass-catcher and a run-blocker for the Spartans. Masunas has helped MSU get off to a 3-0 start in the 2025 season, and has recorded six receptions for 81 yards (13.5 yards per catch) and two touchdowns on the campaign thus far.

Entering the year, Masunas had recorded a total of five receptions for 38 yards and did scored a touchdown during his first three seasons in East Lansing. Masunas was off to a promising start in 2024 — starting the first four games of the campaign, amassing four catches for 37 yards and contributing as a blocker in the running game — before suffering a season-ending injury. Now, he is picking up where he left off and making a major impact for the Spartans in 2025.

"It's been awesome to be able to be a part of this offense in a big way," Masunas said on Tuesday. "You know, doing my job in the run game and then getting opportunities in the pass (game), it's been nice to be out there and help the guys out ... if (touchdown opportunities) come my way, I'll try to catch them."

Under head coach Jonathan Smith, offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren, tight ends coach/recruiting coordinator Brian Wozniak and the rest of the staff, Michigan State often deploys two-tight end sets with his offense. Masunas is usually paired with senior tight end Jack Velling, or potentially another tight end.

The attention that Velling gets from defenses has opened up opportunities for Masunas in the passing game. He has scored a touchdown in back-to-back weeks now: Week Two versus Boston College and Week Three versus Youngstown State. Masunas and Velling were lined up on the same side of the formation on Masunas' touchdown versus YSU. Masunas broke down how his score happened against the Penguins, and detailed how MSU uses the multiple tight ends to its advantage.