EAST LANSING — Spartan Stadium erupted Saturday night when safety Armorion Smith dove to break up a Boston College 2-point conversion, the final defensive blow of what would become a 42-40 double-overtime win for Michigan State.

But the most important celebration by far came when Smith got home. That’s when he soaked in the moment with his siblings — the ones he’s taken legal guardianship of since the death of his mother, Gala Gilliam, in August 2024.

“We stayed up till like 4 a.m.,” Smith said Wednesday.

Since his mother’s death, the 22-year-old Smith has followed her wish and looked after his younger siblings, Armond, Avaugn, Arial and Amaira. On top of football meetings, practices and classes, Smith has added being a parent to the mix. It’s the kind of responsibility most full-fled

See Full Page