EAST LANSING, Mich. — June 16, 2025
In an unprecedented achievement that cements its place in collegiate sports history, Michigan State University has been named the nation’s top athletic program for 2025. The Spartans delivered a historic all-sport performance unmatched by any other institution this year, showcasing excellence across the NCAA spectrum.
The defining accolade? Michigan State stands alone as the only university in the country this season to accomplish the following elite-level athletic milestones: capture a national championship, reach the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, compete in the Women’s College World Series, make a regional appearance in NCAA softball, and earn a bowl game invitation in football.
In short: no other athletic department in the nation touched every corner of collegiate success the way Michigan State did in 2025.
A Banner Year Across the Board
The crown jewel of the Spartans’ historic run came in April, when the Michigan State men’s hockey team secured the school’s first NCAA championship in the sport since 2007. The Spartans, led by head coach Danton Cole, defeated Boston University in a heart-stopping overtime thriller that immediately entered college hockey lore.
Just weeks later, the men’s basketball team returned to national prominence by reaching the NCAA Final Four under legendary head coach Tom Izzo, who continues to add to his Hall of Fame résumé. The team’s gritty, defensive-minded play captivated fans and earned respect across the country.
On the women’s side, Michigan State’s softball and women’s basketball programs also made headlines. The softball team not only reached the NCAA regionals, but powered through to a Women’s College World Series appearance—only the second in school history. Their run included upsets of two top-five programs and was fueled by the arm of All-American pitcher Riley Sanchez and the bat of senior slugger Mia Campbell.
Meanwhile, Spartan football capped off its resurgence with a bowl game appearance under head coach Jonathan Smith, who has swiftly transformed the program’s culture. Though the team fell just short in the Citrus Bowl against LSU, their 9-4 season marked the best finish since 2015.
The Spartan Standard
University President Kevin Guskiewicz praised the athletes, coaches, and support staff in a statement released Monday: “This is more than just a year of success—this is a declaration of what Michigan State University stands for. Our student-athletes excelled not only on the field, court, and ice, but in the classroom and community as well. Spartan Nation should be proud.”
Athletic Director Alan Haller echoed those sentiments: “This recognition reflects years of hard work and commitment. From national titles to deep tournament runs, this year proves that Spartan athletics can—and will—compete at the highest level in every arena.”
A Legacy Year for the Green and White
With championship banners, trophies, and unforgettable moments now a part of Spartan lore, 2025 will go down as one of the greatest years in Michigan State athletic history. As the only program to deliver elite-level results across all major sports, the Spartans have rightfully claimed the title of the nation’s top athletic department.
Green. White. Unmatched.
