Michigan State Weekly Position Breakdown: Running Backs Need to Be the Key to the Spartans' Success
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In just 50 days, we will see the Michigan State Spartans take the field for their opening game of the 2026 season. It's a season filled with cautious excitement. The program has turned the page, moving on from many players from last year's roster, along with its head coach and most of the coaching staff. It's a brand-new look for the Green and White, and while expectations remain low nationally, there's optimism that this team can exceed them.
If there's one thing we can expect from this new-look Spartans squad, it's that they will live and die with their rushing attack. The running back group will be leaned on early and often throughout the entire season. This isn't because there's a lack of trust in quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, but rather because it's the brand of football Pat Fitzgerald has built his reputation on. Fitzgerald's teams have always relied on a smash-mouth, physical style of football, and that philosophy starts with a dominant offensive line and a productive rushing attack.
So let's take a look at the players in what could be the most important position group on Michigan State's roster in 2026.
Projected Starter: Cam Edwards – Senior – Transfer from UConn
One of the biggest transfer additions for Michigan State this offseason is projected starting running back Cam Edwards.
Edwards arrives in East Lansing after spending the last three seasons at UConn, where he totaled 480 rushing attempts for 2,690 yards (5.6 yards per carry) and 27 rushing touchdowns. He also hauled in 47 receptions for 467 receiving yards and four touchdowns, proving he's much more than just a powerful runner who can burst through the line. Edwards has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss in the open field.
Last season alone, Edwards finished 15th nationally in rushing yards with 1,240, ranked 13th in total scrimmage yards with 1,427, and tied for ninth in the country with 16 total touchdowns.
His lead blocker, Ben Murawski, also transferred to Michigan State after entering the portal, reuniting the duo that helped power UConn's rushing attack a season ago. Now they'll look to become the foundation of the Spartans' offense.
Marvis Parrish – Sophomore – Transfer from Western Kentucky
Sophomore running back Marvis Parrish enters East Lansing after an impressive freshman season at Western Kentucky.
Parrish rushed for 576 yards on 106 carries (5.4 yards per carry) while scoring one rushing touchdown. Although he currently projects behind Edwards on the depth chart, his versatility could earn him plenty of opportunities. His pass-catching ability allows him to line up both in the backfield and in the slot, giving the offense another weapon.
As a freshman, Parrish caught an impressive 36 passes for 203 receiving yards and another touchdown. Combined, he finished his lone collegiate season with 779 total yards while averaging 5.5 yards every time he touched the football.
Parrish is explosive, almost like a cannonball being launched from wherever he's lined up on the field. The Spartans would be smart to get the ball in his hands several times each game and let his athleticism create opportunities.
Brandon Tullis – Junior
Junior Brandon Tullis returns to East Lansing looking to finally carve out a larger role after spending his first two seasons buried on the depth chart. However, with two experienced transfers now ahead of him, Tullis will have to work even harder to earn consistent playing time.
Last season, Tullis appeared in all 12 games, but his impact remained relatively limited. He carried the ball 69 times for 301 yards (4.4 yards per carry) and scored four rushing touchdowns while adding 11 receptions for 82 yards.
His biggest opportunity came in Milivojevic's first career start, when Tullis led the team with 14 carries but managed just 51 rushing yards. Still, his touchdown helped keep Michigan State in the game before the defense eventually collapsed in overtime.
Jaziun Patterson – Senior – Transfer from Iowa
Jaziun Patterson spent four seasons serving primarily as a backup at Iowa before following special teams coordinator LeVar Woods to Michigan State for one final opportunity.
Patterson likely won't be called upon often unless injuries or circumstances demand it, but he's proven capable of providing quality north-and-south running when needed.
During his four seasons with the Hawkeyes, Patterson totaled 858 rushing yards on 195 carries (4.4 yards per carry) and scored four rushing touchdowns. He also caught just nine passes for 35 yards during his career, meaning his value won't come as a receiving threat. Instead, expect Patterson to be utilized in short-yardage situations where his physical running style can help move the chains.
His best season came in 2024 when he rushed 63 times for 309 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 4.9 yards per carry.
The Rest of the Running Back Room
- Kenneth Williams – Junior – Transfer from Nebraska (Return/Special Teams Specialist)
- Jace Clarizio – Freshman
- Zion Gist – Freshman
- Fullback: Jay Coyne – Senior
The Spartans' backfield could very well become the anchor of a program hungry for success. Under Fitzgerald's coaching staff, expect a physical, downhill rushing attack that leans heavily on this position group. If Michigan State hopes to surprise people this fall, it will likely begin with the offensive line paving the way and this talented stable of running backs carrying the offense further than many believe is possible.
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