Michigan State University Athletics
Pat Fitzgerald Press Conference Coverage
8/24/2026 6:57:00 PM | Football
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State first-year head coach Pat Fitzgerald held a press conference after Monday's practice to give an update on the Spartans.
During the press conference, Fitzgerald announced MSU's six captains for the 2026 season: junior punter Rhys Dakin, fifth-year center Trent Fraley, senior linebacker Jordan Hall, fifth-year safety Nikai Martinez, redshirt sophomore quarterback Alessio Milivojevic and fifth-year rush end Kenny Soares Jr.
Fitzgerald also announced that wide receiver Rodney Bullard Jr. had his fourth year of eligibility approved for the 2026 season by the NCAA.
"Compliance notified us today that the NCAA reconsidered the case, reviewed it, and approved it, so Rodney Bullard Jr. is officially eligible for the 2026 season," said Fitzgerald. "So, we're very thankful for all the hard work of our compliance office. Really happy for, obviously, Rodney and his family, and we're just happy that he gets the opportunity to play the game that he loves, and just very thankful for all those that were part of the process to make this happen. Really happy for Rodney."
A full video of the press conference is available below.
During the press conference, Fitzgerald announced MSU's six captains for the 2026 season: junior punter Rhys Dakin, fifth-year center Trent Fraley, senior linebacker Jordan Hall, fifth-year safety Nikai Martinez, redshirt sophomore quarterback Alessio Milivojevic and fifth-year rush end Kenny Soares Jr.
Fitzgerald also announced that wide receiver Rodney Bullard Jr. had his fourth year of eligibility approved for the 2026 season by the NCAA.
"Compliance notified us today that the NCAA reconsidered the case, reviewed it, and approved it, so Rodney Bullard Jr. is officially eligible for the 2026 season," said Fitzgerald. "So, we're very thankful for all the hard work of our compliance office. Really happy for, obviously, Rodney and his family, and we're just happy that he gets the opportunity to play the game that he loves, and just very thankful for all those that were part of the process to make this happen. Really happy for Rodney."
A full video of the press conference is available below.
Players Mentioned
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