Michigan State is currently under investigation by the NCAA for alleged recruiting violations that took place during the tenure of former head coach Mel Tucker, according to university president Kevin Guskiewicz in a report by The Detroit News.
While the exact nature and severity of the alleged violations remain unclear, Guskiewicz did not specify how serious the infractions might be. The university previously parted ways with Tucker in 2023 after a Title IX investigation and sexual harassment complaint filed against him by activist and rape survivor Brenda Tracy.
This NCAA probe adds another layer of scrutiny to the program as it continues to rebuild following Tucker’s controversial departure.
University president Kevin Guskiewicz told *The Detroit News* that he has a meeting scheduled with the NCAA next week regarding the ongoing investigation into alleged recruiting violations under former head coach Mel Tucker. Guskiewicz noted that Michigan State is prepared to “make the case” for moving forward with a clean slate, emphasizing that the university now has an entirely new coaching staff in place as Jonathan Smith enters his second season leading the Spartans.
An NCAA spokesperson declined to comment on the situation, stating the organization does not discuss current, pending, or potential investigations.
Michigan State associate athletics director Matt Larson confirmed that the university has been cooperating with the NCAA in its investigation into potential recruiting violations under former head coach Mel Tucker. He also emphasized that MSU will continue working with the NCAA throughout the process.
“Michigan State athletics has cooperated with the NCAA to review a potential matter concerning the football program under the former staff,” Larson told *The Detroit News*. “And [we] will continue to do so for the duration of the process. NCAA rules do not permit the university to provide any additional details at this time.”
As the investigation unfolds, Michigan State remains focused on moving forward under head coach Jonathan Smith, who is preparing for his second season leading the program.
Mel Tucker was in his fourth season as Michigan State’s head coach when he was dismissed in 2023. He had taken over the program in 2020 following the retirement of longtime head coach Mark Dantonio.
During his tenure, Tucker compiled a 20-14 overall record, including a 12-13 mark in Big Ten play. His most successful season came in 2021 when he led the Spartans to an 11-2 finish, capped by a victory in the Peach Bowl. However, the program struggled to maintain that success in the following years, and his tenure ultimately ended amid controversy.
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