Michigan State Hit with NCAA Penalties: Jonathan Smith Reacts to Vacated Wins and Recruiting Sanctions

Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith stepped into his role in November 2023 without knowing the full scope of challenges he would inherit. This week, the NCAA’s announcement of penalties against the Spartans revealed just how significant those challenges are. The sanctions stem from recruiting violations committed under former coach Mel Tucker, ultimately resulting in probation, recruiting limitations, fines, and the vacation of 14 wins — including five victories from Smith’s first season.

How the NCAA Penalties Unfolded

On Wednesday, the NCAA confirmed that Michigan State committed multiple recruiting violations involving impermissible benefits. Two former staffers — general manager Saeed Khalif and pass rush specialist Brandon Jordan — provided plane tickets and hotel accommodations to nine recruits. Three of those players eventually suited up for Michigan State, which triggered a harsh consequence: all games in which those ineligible players appeared during 2022, 2023, and 2024 must be vacated.

The NCAA informed the university in January 2025 that an ineligible player had competed under Smith during the 2024 season. Because of this discovery, Michigan State’s official record under Smith now stands at 3–14, and the Spartans remain winless in Big Ten play.

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Smith Says He Was Unaware of Investigation When Hired

Smith made it clear he did not know about any ongoing NCAA investigation when he accepted the head coaching job. He said he became aware of the situation “early this year.” According to his contract, Smith must fully cooperate with NCAA inquiries and report any violations. However, the contract does not require the university to disclose past investigations before he signs.

Section 8.10 of his agreement states that the contract “will not be affected” by any NCAA sanctions tied to actions that occurred before his tenure. Another clause, Section 8.13, indicates that Michigan State and Smith may revisit contract terms if “extenuating circumstances,” such as program suspension, arise.

Michigan State’s Response to the Investigation

Michigan State opted for a negotiated resolution in hopes of reducing the severity of the penalties. Athletic director J. Batt and university president Kevin Guskiewicz issued a statement acknowledging the NCAA’s findings while expressing frustration with the penalty requiring vacated wins. They also emphasized the importance of modernizing NCAA enforcement processes.

Smith echoed similar sentiments on Saturday, addressing the media for the first time since the penalties were announced. Although he disagrees with the vacated victories, he emphasized that his program has taken steps to minimize further consequences.

Self-Imposed Penalties Helped Lessen the NCAA’s Blow

To demonstrate cooperation, Smith and his staff implemented self-imposed recruiting restrictions earlier in the year. These included reducing the number of evaluation days and cutting back on official visits during the fall recruiting cycle. Smith said those measures ultimately helped soften the NCAA’s final ruling.

On the recruiting trail today, he is clear with prospects: these sanctions will not affect their future experience at Michigan State.

“We proactively lessened the amount of evaluation days and visits,” Smith said. “We definitely are talking about it with current recruits, knowing this is in the past and will not impact their experience here.”

Increasing Pressure on Smith’s Job Security

While Michigan State faces NCAA scrutiny, Smith is also dealing with growing frustration from fans. The Spartans’ 28–10 loss to Penn State on Saturday marked their seventh straight defeat, and the crowd voiced its displeasure throughout the game.

Smith signed a seven-year, $52.85 million deal in December 2023, with 85% guaranteed. If Michigan State fired him today, he would receive more than $32 million in buyout money. However, former athletic director Alan Haller, who hired Smith, was fired in May 2025. His departure activated a clause that dramatically reduces the financial penalty if Smith chooses to leave the program.

Should he walk away before December 2, Smith — or his next employer — would owe Michigan State $3 million. After that date, the buyout drops to $2 million.

The Legacy of Tucker’s Tenure Still Looms

Mel Tucker’s era continues to cast a shadow over the program. Tucker was fired in September 2023 for sexual misconduct and remains in litigation with the university over his contract. At the time of his firing, he held one of the largest coaching contracts in American sports and the highest-ever salary for a Black coach.

The NCAA’s latest penalties only deepen the fallout from that period, leaving Smith to navigate the aftermath during a pivotal moment in Michigan State football history.

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