Can the Spartans string together three wins before the New Year? See how Michigan State stacks up against Toledo, Oakland, and Cornell.
All I want for Christmas is three more Michigan State wins before the New Year.
As some find themselves bundled up going from house to house spreading Christmas cheer, others are cozied up in bed watching highlights from the first ten games of the season for Michigan State.
It’s a season that was met with plenty of doubt from the jump. The AP committee didn’t quite know what to make of this Spartans team heading into the year. After losing nearly 65% of last season’s scoring, there were major questions about how players like Jaxon Kohler and Jeremy Fears Jr. would step into expanded roles.
On top of that, Carson Cooper was set for a significant promotion as the starting center, and all eyes were on future NBA draft pick Coen Carr. Everyone already knew about his defense and elite athleticism, but many wanted to see how much his shooting had improved.
Now, as the coldest weekend of winter locks us indoors, it’s time to grab that creepy old snow globe—the one that looks like it was made around the same time as the Annabelle doll and is probably haunted by the same demon. Shake it like a Magic 8 Ball, ignore the bad vibes, and take a look into the future.
MSU’s Next Three Games
Tuesday, December 16
vs. Toledo | 6:30 PM ET
Toledo enters the matchup at 5–5 and riding a two-game losing streak after narrow losses to Robert Morris and Oakland (a 98–97 heartbreaker). While the Rockets sit at .500, their scoring punch is no joke. Toledo averages 80.4 points per game, ranking 88th out of 365 Division I teams.
Over their last seven games, the Rockets have scored 90+ points four times. Michigan State’s defense—fresh off allowing an opponent to score 70+ points for the first time this season in Sunday’s win over Penn State—will be tested again.
Toledo plays fast and balanced, with all five starters averaging double figures.
Saturday, December 20
vs. Oakland | 12:00 PM ET (Little Caesers Arena)
For the third straight week, Michigan State will take part in the high-noon Saturday challenge—this time at a neutral site. The Spartans and Grizzlies will meet downtown Detroit at Little Caesars Arena, home of the Pistons and Red Wings.
This in-state matchup is always one of the most anticipated “lower-division” games on MSU’s schedule. With the two schools separated by just 80 miles, Oakland consistently brings extra juice when facing the Spartans.
The Grizzlies sit at 5–6 but haven’t shied away from a tough schedule. They opened the season against Michigan, Purdue, and Houston—three straight ranked opponents. Oakland had won four straight before suffering a 12-point loss to Northern Iowa on Saturday.
Monday, December 29
vs. Cornell | 7:00 PM ET
Michigan State wraps up the 2025 calendar year at home against Cornell, another team sitting at 5–5.
The Big Red have been riding a roller coaster this season. After opening with losses to Kent State and Illinois State, Cornell rattled off five straight wins, including victories over Colgate, Army, and Bucknell. That momentum has since slowed, with three straight losses to George Mason, Towson, and Samford—the latter by just three points.
Cornell is led by Cooper Noard, who’s averaging 20.2 points per game. As a team, the Big Red score 88.6 points per contest, good for 23rd nationally.
It’s another dangerous non-conference opponent that will come out firing early, looking to put Michigan State on its heels. Once again, the Spartans’ defense will need to prove its worth before the New Year arrives.
Looking Ahead to 2026
After a brief New Year’s break, Michigan State dives headfirst into Big Ten play. Starting January 2, the Spartans will play 18 straight conference games over the next two months, leading into the Big Ten Tournament and, hopefully, a deep March run.