The upcoming football game on October 25, 2025, marks a significant turning point for former Michigan State football commentator Jason Strayhorn. After a 19-year tenure with Michigan State, Strayhorn was unexpectedly let go earlier this summer. Compounding the emotional turmoil is the fact that his son, Kaden Strayhorn, has chosen to play for the University of Michigan, Michigan State’s chief rival. This weekend, Kaden will don the maize and blue as the Wolverines take on the Spartans at Spartan Stadium.
Jason Strayhorn, who played for Michigan State from 1995 to 1998 under coach Nick Saban, expressed his surprise at the decision. “It is interesting because Kaden and all my kids grew up wearing green and white,” he said. “In fact, they were learning their colors before elementary school, and it was always ‘go green.’ So, no, I did not see it coming.” Kaden, a three-star recruit and one of the top-35 interior offensive linemen in the nation for the class of 2025, received his first Division I offer from Michigan State in eighth grade during the Mel Tucker era.
Despite early interest from Michigan State, Kaden’s recruiting experience changed when Jonathan Smith took over as head coach. Kaden described his interactions with new offensive line coach Jim Michalczik as lacking. “He told me we would talk weekly. That never happened,” Kaden stated. Consequently, his options expanded, and he ultimately decided to join Michigan, where he developed a strong rapport with head coach Sherrone Moore.
The 6-foot-2, 308-pound lineman has been training at center and has made the travel roster since Week 2 against Oklahoma. Kaden is looking forward to Saturday’s game. “Honestly, I’m pretty excited,” he said. “I’m happy that my first experience at the game is there. I think that’s really cool.”
Jason Strayhorn has deep ties to Michigan State, having spent over three decades connected to the program. He remembers discussing with his wife how they would likely know the coach at MSU. Instead, the arrival of new coaching staff without local ties has changed the landscape. He acknowledges that he is a lifelong Spartan fan, and it pains him not to see his son in green and white. However, he has raised Kaden to make his own choices. “I promised him it was going to be his decision,” Jason remarked. “I didn’t want to interrupt that because he has to go to class, he has to go to practice, and it’s his life.”
Watching the University of Michigan’s treatment of his son has altered Jason’s perspective. Although he still does not own any maize and blue apparel, he has appreciated the positive experiences Kaden has had at Michigan. “There are good people at Michigan and Michigan State,” he noted. “It’s cool to see it internally versus how it has always been my entire career from the outside.”
Jason’s dismissal from Michigan State’s broadcast team in the summer was unexpected, leading to feelings of disappointment and confusion. George Blaha, a Hall of Fame commentator and longtime partner, expressed his surprise at the decision. Strayhorn has not ruled out the possibility that his son’s decision to join Michigan played a role in his termination, although he awaits further clarity on the matter.
As the game approaches, Jason plans to make a “game-time decision” regarding his attire, feeling conflicted about wearing Michigan colors in Spartan Stadium. “Wearing maize and blue is not natural for me,” he said. “I would like him to do well if he gets in the game, but I could never root against my Spartans.”
While it remains uncertain if Kaden will see significant playing time, injuries on the offensive line could provide him with an opportunity. As he continues to work hard, Kaden reflects on his journey: “Did I ever see myself here as a kid? Obviously, no. Growing up, I was always ingrained with ‘go green.’ But going through the recruiting process, I realized that I really liked Michigan a lot. Honestly, I’m just thankful to be here. I don’t have any regrets.”
The Strayhorn family’s story illustrates the complexities of loyalty, legacy, and the pursuit of personal aspirations in the world of college football. As the rivalry unfolds this weekend, both father and son navigate their unique positions in a landscape shaped by both family ties and competitive spirit.
