After years of stagnation, a rebuilt roster and aggressive new leadership head to East Lansing. We break down the 2026 schedule to see if a resurgence is coming.
Michigan State football fans know exactly how it feels to wait for a competitive team again. As Rose from Titanic famously said, "It's been 84 years," and that's what it feels like for Spartan fans waiting for a team that is not only competitive, but consistently competent.
The Spartans are embracing a new identity under first-year head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
Over the last several seasons, Spartan fans have watched their team sink lower and lower, much like the Titanic. Michigan State struggled to do the basic things correctly, and those mistakes piled up into loss after loss. The result was a disastrous Big Ten season and ultimately the firing of Jonathan Smith.
Following Smith's departure and Fitzgerald's hiring, nearly 40 players from last year's roster entered the transfer portal. Michigan State responded by aggressively rebuilding, adding key pieces along the offensive line, in the running back room, and on defense. The Spartans also brought in a freshman class that could make an immediate impact on a roster desperate for playmakers.
Even though we're still more than two months away from kickoff, I thought there was no better time to predict Michigan State's 2026 schedule and see where the Spartans might finish.
Week 1: Toledo at Michigan State
Prediction: MSU Win, 27-10
Toledo is a solid football team and could provide some early challenges, but the Spartans should handle business. The energy will be high early, but once Michigan State settles in during the second half, the talent gap takes over.
Week 2: Eastern Michigan at Michigan State
Prediction: MSU Win, 28-14
Another MAC opponent gives the Spartans a chance to continue building chemistry. Eastern Michigan has never beaten Michigan State, and I don't see that changing this year. There may still be some growing pains with a new coach and roster, but MSU finds its rhythm late.
Week 3: Michigan State at Notre Dame
Prediction: MSU Loss, 28-27
This is the game where the Spartans could shock the college football world. Fitzgerald's team will battle from start to finish and make the Fighting Irish sweat. In the end, however, I have Michigan State falling just one point short in what would still be a statement performance.
Week 4: Nebraska at Michigan State
Prediction: MSU Win, 20-17
Big Ten play begins, and confidence will be growing in East Lansing. The offense struggles at times, but the defense steps up when needed. The Spartans earn another conference win and continue building momentum.
Week 5: Michigan State at Wisconsin
Prediction: MSU Loss, 23-16
Winning on the road in the Big Ten is never easy. Fitzgerald's schemes are built for tough environments, but I think Wisconsin does just enough to protect home field and hold on for a touchdown victory.
Week 6: Illinois at Michigan State
Prediction: MSU Win, 24-23
Coming off a tough road loss, the Spartans return home hungry. Every conference game will feel massive after last year's struggles. Quarterback Milivojevic leads a late game-winning touchdown drive, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Week 7: Northwestern at Michigan State
Prediction: MSU Win, 33-18
This could be Michigan State's most emotional game of the season. Fitzgerald spent two decades at Northwestern before being let go, and you can bet this matchup is circled on his calendar. The Spartans come out motivated and deliver their most complete performance of the year.
Week 8: Michigan State at UCLA
Prediction: MSU Win, 26-23
This is one of my bolder predictions. Traveling west is never easy, but the Spartans will have plenty of motivation after UCLA embarrassed them in East Lansing last season. Fitzgerald earns his first road victory as Michigan State escapes with a dramatic win.
Week 9: Michigan State at Michigan
Prediction: MSU Loss, 30-20
I know many Spartan fans won't like this prediction, but rivalry games are different. I don't think Michigan will be as dominant as some expect under Kyle Whittingham, but the Wolverines still have a roster advantage. The Spartans keep it close for three quarters before Michigan pulls away late in Ann Arbor.
Week 10: Washington at Michigan State
Prediction: MSU Loss, 24-14
Every season includes a frustrating loss, and this feels like one of them. Whether it's turnovers, penalties, or offensive miscommunication, Michigan State struggles to get things going and drops a disappointing home game.
Week 11: Oregon at Michigan State
Prediction: MSU Loss, 34-16
Oregon could be one of the best teams in the country. The Spartans compete early, but eventually the Ducks' talent proves too much. It's a tough way to close out the home schedule.
Week 12: Michigan State at Rutgers
Prediction: MSU Win, 35-28
The Spartans finish the regular season on a high note. After struggling offensively the previous two weeks, Milivojevic breaks out and leads Michigan State to a road victory in New Jersey, securing bowl eligibility.
Final Prediction
I have Michigan State finishing the regular season at 7-5 overall and 5-4 in Big Ten play, earning a bowl game in Pat Fitzgerald's first season.
Is it the dream season Spartan fans are hoping for? Probably not.
But after everything Michigan State football has endured over the past few years, remembering how to finish above .500 is a critical step in rebuilding the program. Before the Spartans can compete for championships again, they first need to prove they can consistently win football games.
A 7-5 season may not be flashy, but it could be exactly what Michigan State football needs.
