Michigan State Spartans · All-time career leaders
Michigan State Football Career Interceptions Thrown Leaders
Jeff Smoker holds Michigan State's career interceptions thrown record with 39 interceptions (2000–2003). John Leister (35) and Dave Yarema (33) round out the top three. 3 of the top 10 played since 2000; the most recent is Brian Lewerke (2016–2019), No. 5 on the list.
Michigan State SpartansUpdated Oct 6, 2026
| Rank | Player | Years | Interceptions Thrown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeff Smoker | 2000–2003 | 39 |
| 2 | John Leister | 1979–1982 | 35 |
| 3 | Dave Yarema | 1982–1986 | 33 |
| 3 | Todd Schultz | 1994–1997 | 33 |
| 5 | Brian Lewerke | 2016–2019 | 32 |
| 5 | Ed Smith | 1976–1978 | 32 |
| 7 | Bill Burke | 1996–1999 | 31 |
| 8 | Charlie Baggett | 1973–1975 | 30 |
| 8 | Kirk Cousins | 2008–2011 | 30 |
| 10 | Jim Miller | 1990–1993 | 29 |
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Sources & notes
- CFB Clipboard — Career leaderboards researched and compiled by CFB Clipboard.
- Career totals cover a player’s games at Michigan State only.
Last updated Oct 6, 2026.