Michigan State football announces captains versus Western Kentucky, basketball and hockey reveal 2021-2022 team captains

The Michigan State Spartans football team is 4-0 headed into the final non-conference game of the season — a 7:30 p.m. kickoff under the lights against Western Kentucky for homecoming.

A new week means a new set of captains for MSU, and for the first time this season, the Spartans have chosen three captains who have already served in that role at least once this season: senior safety Xavier Henderson, redshirt senior H-back/tight end Connor Heyward and redshirt junior wide receiver Jayden Reed.

Henderson has been named a captain for all five games thus far throughout the season, as he continues to be the team’s unquestioned leader. Henderson is coming off of a ridiculous 17-tackle performance against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and leads the Spartans with 42 tackles this season.

Reed has earned the captain post for the second time this season, also serving as captain in Week Three at Miami. He was electric last week against Nebraska, totaling 192 all-purpose yards (69 kick return, 62 punt return, 59 receiving and two rushing). Reed had a game-tying 62-yard punt return touchdown, which eventually forced overtime and helped the Spartans get a win, as well as a 35-yard touchdown reception. He leads MSU with 16 catches for 336 yards and four touchdowns so far this season.

Heyward also has his second stint at captain, first serving in the role in Week Two versus Youngstown State. After changing positions from running back to H-back/tight end, Heyward has been a vital part of Michigan State’s 4-0 start with his improved blocking, receiving prowess, leadership and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Heyward has eight catches for 116 yards this season, and makes plays like this:

Michigan State men’s basketball also announces team captains

With the Michigan State men’s basketball program opening its first official practice of the new season on Tuesday, head coach Tom Izzo has also announced his team’s captains. Unlike the football team, the basketball squad’s captains are permanent — barring an unforeseen change during the season — throughout the 2021-2022 campaign.

Senior wing Gabe Brown and Junior forward Malik Hall were voted captains in what Izzo called a “pretty unanimous” decision.

The Michigan State men’s and women’s basketball teams will hold an open practice at the Breslin Center, free to the public, this Saturday, Oct. 2, with doors opening at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. This is prior to the homecoming football game on the same day at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time at Spartan Stadium.

Oakland versus Michigan State basketball tickets update:

On another note regarding the basketball team, The Only Colors was informed that tickets for The District Detroit College Basketball Showcase featuring Oakland versus Michigan State at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday, Dec. 21 will go on sale this Friday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. The time for the game is still to be determined.

Michigan State hockey also reveals captains for the 2021-2022 season

As if we weren’t already having enough fun, the Michigan State hockey program also announced its captains for the 2021-2022 campaign. Senior defenseman Dennis Cesana will wear the “C” on his jersey as team captain, while fifth-year senior forward Mitchel Lewandowski and junior forward Josh Nodler will serve as assistant captains.