Michigan State Athletic Director Dan Bartholomae was photographed speaking with football coach Pat Fitzgerald following the Spartans' victory over Toledo on September 4, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. The image captures a moment amid ongoing discussions about name, image, and likeness (NIL) funding within the program.
The matchup marked a win for Michigan State as they opened their season against the Toledo Rockets. While the final score was not disclosed in the available report, the meeting between Bartholomae and Fitzgerald highlights the administrative focus on NIL resources as college athletics continues to navigate the evolving landscape of athlete compensation.



