Week 4 Availability Report: Nebraska versus Michigan State

The Big Ten Conference updated its process for football availability reporting in 2026. Previously, Big Ten teams had to submit availability reports for players on game days. This season, the conference requires member institutions to provide reports three days before a contest and concluding with a game-day report. Schools must submit reports by 8 p.m. Eastern Time three days, two days and one day before scheduled kickoff. The final game-day report is due two hours before kickoff.

According to the Big Ten:

"Midweek status designations will identify student-athletes as Probable, Questionable, Doubtful, Out or Out (1st Half). Gameday availability reports will include three categories: Game Time Decision, Out, and Out (1st Half) on gameday. Student-athletes not listed on a report are considered Available."

Note that this is a requirement only for intra-conference matchups between two Big Ten schools. Member schools do not need to submit availability reports for non-conference games.

On Wednesday, the Big Ten released its initial availability report for Saturday's game between Nebraska (3-0) and Michigan State (2-1). The report will be updated on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

MSU has six players listed as out and three players who are questionable for Saturday's contest. Meanwhile, Nebraska has seven players listed as out, one considered doubtful and one designated as questionable.

Examining the list, what is most notable for the Spartans is that starting linebacker Brady Pretzlaff has already been ruled out for this weekend. Pretzlaff suffered an undisclosed injury in the second quarter in a 27-10 loss at Notre Dame in Week 3. He did not return to the field.

Pretzlaff started all three games for the Spartans so far in 2026 and has recorded 17 total tackles, which is tied with fellow linebacker Jordan Hall for the second-most on the team. Safety Devin Vaught leads MSU with 18 total tackles.

Jay Coyne is also ruled out for Saturday. He is a key special teams player for Michigan State. He suffered an injury against Notre Dame last week and did not seem to return. Coyne played fullback for the Spartans the previous two years under head coach and switched to tight end in 2026 under head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Coyne has appeared in all three games for MSU this season.

Of the other four players who are out against Nebraska — safety Eliyjah Caldwell, offensive lineman Eli Bickel, offensive lineman Tristan Comer and tight end Joey Caudill — they are all true freshmen who are yet to see game action.

Also of concern for Spartan fans is that starting cornerback Tyran Chappell is listed as questionable. He has played in all three games for the Spartans in 2026, including starting the last two contests for the Spartans. Chappell played 50 snaps against the Fighting Irish last week, according to Pro Football Focus. It is unclear what kind of injury he is dealing with as of press time.

Chappell has recorded eight total tackles and one pass break-up so far this season.

Defensive lineman Cal Thrush is another player who got dinged up against the Fighting Irish, which happened while he was playing special teams. He has appeared in all three games so far, and while he is questionable, he will have a chance to play against the Cornhuskers. Thrush, who provides depth on the defensive line, has one tackle so far in 2026.

Wide receiver KK Smith also has a questionable designation for Saturday's game against Nebraska. The Notre Dame transfer has recorded one catch for 10 yards so far this season, as he works his way through a crowded wide receiver rotation. He also sees reps on special teams.

For Nebraska, notable players who are out defensive lineman Jordan Ochoa and tight end Carter Nelson, while defensive lineman Gabe Moore is questionable.