— The green and white are sprinting their way into the national spotlight. The Michigan State University (MSU) Track & Field program is experiencing a meteoric rise in the NCAA rankings, transforming from a quietly competitive squad into one of the most dominant forces in college athletics.
Under the dynamic leadership of Head Coach Latasha Reynolds, now in her third season at the helm, the Spartans have shattered expectations—and records. “We don’t just show up to compete,” Reynolds said after the team’s recent performance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. “We show up to win.”
And win they have.
The men’s 4x400m relay team stunned the nation by clocking in at 2:58.73, setting a new school record and placing second nationally. Junior standout Isaiah “Jet” Matthews anchored the team and has become a breakout star, also claiming the individual 400m Big Ten title with a time of 44.98 seconds.
On the women’s side, sophomore phenom Aaliyah Carson soared to new heights—literally—in the long jump, posting a national-leading mark of 6.92 meters. Her performance not only secured an individual NCAA title but also broke a 20-year-old school record.
But it’s not just individual brilliance pushing MSU into the spotlight. The Spartans are seeing success across the board: distance, sprints, throws, and field events. The team earned a program-best third-place finish in the NCAA team standings this past season, signaling a new era of athletic excellence.
Much of this success can be traced to a culture shift within the program. Coach Reynolds has emphasized holistic development, placing equal importance on academics, mental health, and team cohesion. The result is a tight-knit group of student-athletes who support each other and push one another to excel.
“There’s a hunger here now,” said senior hurdler Marcus Hill. “We believe we belong on the national stage—and we’re proving it.”
With rising stars, a strong recruiting class, and a coaching staff focused on long-term development, Michigan State Track & Field is poised to remain a powerhouse. As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes will be on East Lansing.
From the track to the field and beyond, the Spartans are no longer just participants—they’re contenders.
And they’re just getting started.
