BettorEdgeBettorEdge
Get up to $100
Michigan State Spartans logo

Michigan State Spartans 2026 Preview

Michigan State are 1-0 in 2026. They went 4-8 (1-8 in the Big Ten). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.

2025 record
4-8
Conference
Big Ten
Preseason rank
Unranked
Home venue
Spartan Stadium
East Lansing, MI

About Michigan State Spartans

Plays Michigan annually for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, first awarded in 1953.

Joined the Big Ten
1953
Chief rivalries
Michigan (Paul Bunyan Trophy)
Community guideFrom the BettorEdge community

What changed for Michigan State in 2026

By Kyle Kommes · co-host of Play Me or Fade Me · from his 2026 College Football Guide, as of July 23, 2026
  • New head coach in Pat Fitzgerald (Former Northwestern Head Coach)
  • New offensive coordinator in Nick Sheridan (Alabama Co-Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach)
  • Alessio Milivojevic returns at QB after starting the last four games of the season with 1,267 yards, 10 TDs and 3 INTs
  • Starting RB from last season is gone. UConn transfer Cam Edwards is expected to start (1,240 yards, 15 TDs)
  • Top three players in terms of receiving yards from last season are gone, with the top returner being Chrishon McCray (330 yards, 3 TDs). Two transfers are expected to start in Michigan transfer Fredrick Moore (DNP in 2025) and Notre Dame transfer KK Smith (123 yards, 2 TDs)
  • Returning one starting offensive lineman with three transfers expected to start
  • Returning three starters on defense, including their leading tackler in LB Jordan Hall (88 tackles). Six transfers are expected to start on defense, including Louisiana Tech transfer Michael Richard (3 INTs)
Read the full 2026 CFB Guide

All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.

Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.

Michigan State Spartans 2026 schedule

GameOpponentSiteResult
1ToledoHomeW 30-20
2Eastern MichiganHome—
3Notre DameAway—
4NebraskaHome—
5WisconsinAway—
6IllinoisHome—
7NorthwesternHome—
8UCLAAway—
9MichiganAway—
10WashingtonHome—
11OregonHome—
12RutgersAway—

Get the printable Michigan State Spartans 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.

More Big Ten previews

Illinois Fighting IlliniIndiana HoosiersIowa HawkeyesMaryland TerrapinsMichigan WolverinesMinnesota Golden GophersNebraska CornhuskersNorthwestern WildcatsOhio State BuckeyesOregon DucksPenn State Nittany LionsPurdue BoilermakersRutgers Scarlet KnightsUCLA BruinsUSC TrojansWashington HuskiesWisconsin Badgers

Related reading

College Football Spreads Explained: Why the Numbers Get So BigHeisman Trophy Odds Explained: How to Bet College Football's Top AwardCollege Football Playoff Odds Explained: How to Bet the CFP Futures

Michigan State Spartans betting FAQ

What is the Michigan State Spartans 2026 schedule?

Michigan State Spartans play 12 games in 2026, 7 at home. They open against Toledo. The full schedule is listed on this page.

Are the Michigan State Spartans ranked in the 2026 preseason?

Michigan State is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.

Where do the Michigan State Spartans play their home games?

Michigan State Spartans play at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, MI. Plays Michigan annually for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, first awarded in 1953.

Who are the Michigan State Spartans' biggest rivals?

Michigan (Paul Bunyan Trophy). Michigan State has been a Big Ten member since 1953.

Where can I bet Michigan State Spartans games?

You can bet Michigan State games on BettorEdge, a peer-to-peer marketplace. Because you trade with other bettors rather than a sportsbook, the price carries no built-in house vig.

Bet Michigan State games without the house vig

BettorEdge is a peer-to-peer marketplace. You take the other side from another bettor, not a sportsbook.

Join BettorEdge