Increased energy stands out to Jordan Hall during first day of Michigan State's spring practice

The start of spring football always brings a sense of renewal, but for Michigan State, Tuesday morning’s early-morning session added a layer of energy under first-year head coach Pat Fitzgerald.

While only so much can be learned from these four weeks of spring practice, MSU fans are desperately looking forward to something to be excited about heading into the 2026 season.

One main issue that many fans verbalized during the previous regime under head coach Jonathan Smith was the lack of energy and emotion, starting with Smith and trickling down to on-field performance. 

With Fitzgerald now at the helm, and several assistant coaches who bring passion and enthusiasm, energy will not be something the Spartans lack in 2026 and beyond.

“It was a lot faster tempo, earlier in the morning,” senior linebacker Jordan Hall said about the first spring practice. “Obviously, it started pretty early. The intensity was there. I thought it was a good baseline for practice.”

That baseline came around 6:30 a.m., a tone-setting move that reflects the personality of Fitzgerald and the culture he is already beginning to establish.

Hall, now one of cornerstones of the program, joked about his evolving role as a senior and team leader.

“Yeah, I’m the old guy now,” he said. “They call me 'Unc' around the locker room now.”

But with that role comes an increased burden. In a linebacker room filled with newcomers (including both transfers and freshmen), returning players, and a new position coach, Hall has embraced the opportunity to lead.

“It’s been good getting to know some of the younger guys and kind of show them around a little bit,” he said.