Spartan Brew 8/11: Mackey Man

Jack Velling is on the John Mackey Award watch list!

Author

Spartan Brew Crew
August 11, 2025

What else do we have brewing today?

🏈 Award nominees
⚽️ Middie to Watch
💚 And much, much more

🔼 Mackey Man. For the second year in a row, Michigan State tight end Jack Velling has been named to the John Mackey Award watch list!

Velling caught a career-high 36 passes for 411 yards and one TD in his first season as a Spartan in 2024 after transferring from Oregon State.

🔼 Center Stage. Michigan State offensive lineman Matt Gulbin has been named to the Rimington Award watch list!

Gulbin, a graduate transfer from Wake Forest, played in 41 games for the Demon Deacons the past four seasons with 23 starts (22 at guard, one at center).

🔼 Kick Start. Michigan State men’s soccer’s Miles Merritt has been named a Midfielder to Watch by the United Soccer Coaches!

The midfielder is in his first season with the Spartans after playing two years at Incarnate Word. He played in 16 games in 2024, scoring one goal. The Albuquerque, New Mexico native was also a key part of the Cardinals defense.

🔼 Let’s Cook. We have 18 days until Michigan State football is back on the field for its season opener on Friday, August 29 against Western Michigan!

Connor Cook, who wore No. 18 for the Spartans from 2012-15, finished with a 34-5 record as Michigan State’s starting quarterback. Cook was named the 2015 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner, the Big Ten Quarterback of the Year and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting.

💚 ONE BIG THING

🔼 A Road Less Traveled. From competing at the Division III level to studying abroad in Austria, Collete Allen’s unique experiences continue to shape her growth—both on and off the field.

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💚 Have a great Monday, everyone!