Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh will start tonight at Oregon and is “full-go” after he practiced throughout the week, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports. The star freshman was limited in the Spartans’ loss to Ohio State and missed the previous contest due to an injury he sustained Sept. 14 against Prairie View A&M. He played just 20 snaps against the Buckeyes and logged two catches.
Marsh’s return to full speed could be a significant boon to the Michigan State offense, as he stands among the most productive true freshmen in college football. He enjoyed a breakout performance against Maryland before he sustained the injury, racking up eight catches for 194 yards and a touchdown in the Big Ten-opening victory.
That outburst in the road win at Maryland earned Marsh the Big Ten Freshman of the Week award, making him the second Spartan to earn the honor in the last calendar year, following former quarterback Katin Houser last November. Marsh’s 194 yards were the 10th-most in a single game in program history and the second-most by a freshman, trailing only Ricky White, who set the record in 2020.
“(Marsh) had been progressing throughout camp and making a bunch of plays,” Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith said after the Maryland win. “Game 1, he was out there, we just didn’t target him as much. This game, he definitely was gonna play more. Had some targets for him in the middle of the field and he comes up huge. But at the same time, he’s catching the ball on the sideline, operating in our two-minute at the end of the half and at the end of the game. The guy’s a true freshman. He’s mature beyond his years.”
Michigan State could benefit greatly from Marsh’s full-time presence in the lineup this week, as Oregon presents another monumental challenge for this rebuilding program. The Ducks are the second-straight top-10 opponent for the Spartans and feature another explosive offense, which may require Marsh to deliver a big outing in order for the visiting squad to hang with Oregon at Autzen Stadium.
The Friday road date with the Ducks also marks Smith’s return to the state of Oregon, where he has a lengthy history against the program in Eugene. Smith’s last game as the Oregon State head coach was in Autzen Stadium.
Marsh was a key priority for Smith and his staff upon arrival in East Lansing last winter. He did not waver in his commitment to the program and ultimately signed with the Spartans just weeks after Smith accepted the head coaching position.
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As a four-star recruit and the No. 107 overall prospect in the 2024 class, Marsh headlined Smith’s debut recruiting class at Michigan State. The in-state product from River Rogue (Mich.) was one of two four-star signees to join the program this season, along with offensive lineman Rustin Young.
