Michigan State football is starting a new tradition under first year head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
When it comes to the No. 1 jersey, Fitzgerald is starting a new tradition that’ll essentially make sure the player wearing the iconic number earns it. Fitzgerald talked about the No. 1 jersey during his Big Ten Media Days session earlier this week where he provided context to who will be wearing that jersey number this year.
“I like the guy who cares about his teammates more than himself,” Fitzgerald said. “I like the guy who cares about the program more than himself — giving up yourself for the greater good. To me, that’s family. Being a great sibling, for me being a great husband and father, and I think that’s what jersey No. 1 represents.”
Per Fitzgerald, the Spartans‘ “unity council” will nominate names for the jersey and the team will vote on the jersey from there. The player that gets the most votes will have the opportunity to wear No. 1 this season and if they elect to keep their current jersey number, then they’ll get a No. 1 sticker on their helmet to signify the honor they received from their teammates.
Fitzgerald added that the team will conduct its vote in the next week so we should know who that Spartan as fall camp opens.
Click on the post below to see Fitzgerald’s full response on this new tradition — courtesy of Tyler Driesenga of WLNS Lansing.
At Big Ten Media Days, MSU’s Pat Fitzgerald explained a new tradition he’s starting regarding the jersey No. 1. pic.twitter.com/7fXJUyQDDz
— Tyler Driesenga (@tdriesenga3) July 30, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: MSU football introducing new No. 1 jersey tradition this season
