The Michigan State Spartans football team has released its 2025 schedule, which features a challenging slate of opponents. The Spartans will open the season at home against the Western Michigan Broncos on September 6th. They will then travel to face the Arizona Wildcats on September 13th. Michigan State will then host the Akron Zips on September 20th before traveling to face the Maryland Terrapins on September 27th.
The Spartans will open Big Ten play at home against the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 4th. They will then travel to face the Indiana Hoosiers on October 11th before hosting the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on October 18th. Michigan State will then have a bye week on October 25th before traveling to face the Penn State Nittany Lions on November 1st.
The Spartans will then host the Illinois Fighting Illini on November 8th before traveling to face the Purdue Boilermakers on November 15th. Michigan State will then host the Wisconsin Badgers on November 22nd before closing out the regular season at home against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on November 29th. The Spartans will be looking to improve on their 11-2 record from the 2022 season and make a run at the College Football Playoff.
The Spartans have a lot of talent returning in 2025, including quarterback Payton Thorne, running back Jalen Berger, and wide receiver Jayden Reed. They will also have a number of key players who are eligible to return from injury, including linebacker Darius Snow and defensive end Jeff Pietrowski. With a challenging schedule and a lot of talent returning, the Spartans are poised to have a successful season in 2025.
Unveiling the Spartans’ 2025 Campaign: A Comprehensive Guide
Schedule Overview
The Michigan State Spartans are set to embark on a thrilling and challenging 2025 football season. The schedule features a diverse array of opponents, both in and out of the Big Ten Conference. The Spartans will face a mix of high-profile powerhouses and up-and-coming programs, promising an exciting season for fans and players alike.
The Spartans will open their season with a non-conference matchup against the Western Michigan Broncos. This will be a great opportunity for Michigan State to test its mettle against a talented MAC opponent and set the tone for the rest of the season.
After a week off, Michigan State will travel to East Lansing to face the Michigan Wolverines in their annual rivalry game. The Spartans are looking to snap a three-game losing streak against their in-state rivals. They will need to bring their best to overcome the Wolverines’ formidable defense and potent offense.
The Spartans’ non-conference schedule continues with a home game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. This will be a good opportunity for Michigan State to build momentum before the start of Big Ten play.
| Opponent | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Michigan Broncos | Spartan Stadium | August 30th, 2025 | 7:00 PM ET |
| Michigan Wolverines | Michigan Stadium | September 13th, 2025 | 12:00 PM ET |
| Tulsa Golden Hurricane | Spartan Stadium | September 20th, 2025 | 3:30 PM ET |
Navigating the Big Ten Conference Gauntlet
Michigan State’s 2025 football schedule will once again feature a gauntlet of tough Big Ten opponents. The Spartans open the season at home against Indiana on September 6, then hit the road to face Washington on September 13. After a home game against Northern Illinois on September 20, Michigan State will face its first conference test when it travels to Ohio State on September 27.
The Spartans will then return home to face Maryland on October 4 before embarking on a three-game road trip that includes games at Wisconsin (October 11), Michigan (October 18), and Illinois (November 1). Michigan State will host Rutgers on November 8 and Penn State on November 15 before closing out the regular season at Purdue on November 22.
Key Dates
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | Indiana | East Lansing |
| September 13 | Washington | Seattle |
| September 20 | Northern Illinois | East Lansing |
| September 27 | Ohio State | Columbus |
| October 4 | Maryland | East Lansing |
| October 11 | Wisconsin | Madison |
| October 18 | Michigan | Ann Arbor |
| November 1 | Illinois | Champaign |
| November 8 | Rutgers | East Lansing |
| November 15 | Penn State | East Lansing |
| November 22 | Purdue | West Lafayette |
Key Storylines
One of the biggest storylines for Michigan State in 2025 will be the development of quarterback Payton Thorne. Thorne showed some promise as a sophomore in 2023, but he will need to take a big step forward in 2024 and 2025 to lead the Spartans to success. Another key storyline will be the Spartans’ defense, which struggled at times in 2023. Michigan State will need to find a way to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and force more turnovers in order to improve its defensive performance.
Potential Conference Title Contenders
The Big Ten East is expected to be a tough division in 2025, with several teams capable of contending for the conference title.
Michigan
The Wolverines are coming off a College Football Playoff appearance in 2022, and they are expected to be one of the favorites in the Big Ten East in 2025. Michigan has a lot of talent returning, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum. The Wolverines also have a favorable schedule in 2025, with their toughest games coming at home against Ohio State and Michigan State.
Ohio State
The Buckeyes are always a contender for the Big Ten title, and they will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season. Ohio State has a lot of talent on its roster, including quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The Buckeyes also have a favorable schedule in 2025, with their toughest games coming at home against Michigan and Penn State.
Penn State
The Nittany Lions are another team that could contend for the Big Ten title in 2025. Penn State has a lot of talent on its roster, including quarterback Drew Allar and running back Nick Singleton. The Nittany Lions also have a favorable schedule in 2025, with their toughest games coming at home against Ohio State and Michigan.
Wisconsin
The Badgers are a dark horse candidate to contend for the Big Ten title in 2025. Wisconsin has a lot of experience on its roster, including quarterback Graham Mertz and running back Braelon Allen. The Badgers also have a favorable schedule in 2025, with their toughest games coming at home against Ohio State and Michigan.
| Team | 2022 Record |
|---|---|
| Michigan | 13-1 |
| Ohio State | 11-2 |
| Penn State | 10-2 |
| Wisconsin | 9-4 |
The Road to Indianapolis: Anticipating the Big Ten Championship Game
Week 3: Akron (Sept. 15)
The Spartans open their season at home against the Zips, who finished 2-10 last season. Michigan State should be heavily favored in this matchup and will look to start the season strong.
Week 5: Washington (Sept. 29)
The Spartans will travel to Seattle to face the Huskies, who finished 4-8 last season. This will be a tough test for Michigan State, but they will be looking to make a statement against a Pac-12 opponent.
Week 6: Minnesota (Oct. 6)
The Spartans return home to face the Golden Gophers, who finished 8-4 last season. This will be a key Big Ten East matchup for Michigan State, and they will need to win to stay in the hunt for a division title.
Week 9: Maryland (Oct. 27)
The Spartans will travel to College Park to face the Terrapins, who finished 7-6 last season. This will be another tough test for Michigan State, but they will be looking to continue their momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
Week 11: Indiana (Nov. 10)
The Spartans will return home to face the Hoosiers, who finished 2-10 last season. This should be a winnable game for Michigan State, and they will be looking to finish the regular season strong.
| Week | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Michigan | Home |
| 2 | Akron | Home |
| 3 | Washington | Away |
| 4 | Minnesota | Home |
| 5 | Maryland | Away |
| 6 | Ohio State | Home |
| 7 | Wisconsin | Away |
| 8 | Iowa | Home |
| 9 | Penn State | Away |
| 10 | Indiana | Home |
| 11 | Illinois | Away |
| 12 | Rutgers | Home |
Out-of-Conference Tests to Harden the Spartans
Wake Forest (Sept. 13)
The Demon Deacons, led by beloved coach Dave Clawson, always play a competitive, physical game. They finished 11-3 last season and return 14 starters, including star quarterback Sam Hartman. The Spartans will have their hands full in their home opener.
Cincinnati (Sept. 20)
The reigning AAC champions visit Spartan Stadium in week three. Led by coach Luke Fickell, the Bearcats boast one of the nation’s top defenses. They ranked third in the FBS in scoring defense last season and return eight starters on that side of the ball. Michigan State’s offense will need to be at its best to move the ball against Cincinnati.
Western Michigan (Sept. 27)
The Broncos, led by first-year coach Lance Taylor, are looking to rebound from a disappointing 4-8 season. They have a talented running back in Sean Tyler, who rushed for over 1,200 yards last year. Michigan State should be able to handle Western Michigan, but they can’t overlook their in-state rivals.
Penn State (Oct. 11)
The Nittany Lions are one of Michigan State’s biggest rivals, and the two schools have played some memorable games over the years. Penn State finished 11-2 last season and return a number of key players, including quarterback Sean Clifford and running back Keyvone Lee. The Spartans will need to be at their best to win this one.
No. 6 Wisconsin (Oct. 25)
The Badgers, who finished 9-4 last season, are always a tough opponent. They have a physical defense led by All-American linebacker Nick Herbig, and their offense is led by quarterback Graham Mertz and running back Braelon Allen. Wisconsin is one of the top teams in the Big Ten, and Michigan State will have to play their best game of the season to beat them.
Here is a summary of Michigan State’s out-of-conference schedule:
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Sept. 13 | Wake Forest |
| Sept. 20 | Cincinnati |
| Sept. 27 | Western Michigan |
| Oct. 11 | Penn State |
| Oct. 25 | No. 6 Wisconsin |
Home Field Advantage
Michigan State’s Spartan Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in college football. With a capacity of over 75,000, the crowd noise can be deafening, and the atmosphere is electric. The Spartans have a strong home-field advantage, and their opponents often struggle to keep up with the tempo and intensity of the game.
Key Home Games
The Spartans have several key home games on their 2025 schedule. Here is a look at some of the matchups that Michigan State fans should mark on their calendars:
September 6: Akron
The Spartans will open their 2025 season at home against the Akron Zips. Akron is a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), and they will be looking to pull off an upset in East Lansing. However, Michigan State is a heavy favorite in this game, and they should be able to get their season off to a good start.
October 4: Wisconsin
One of the most anticipated games on the Spartans’ schedule is their home matchup against the Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin is a perennial contender in the Big Ten West, and they always pose a tough challenge. The Badgers have won the last two meetings between the two teams, so Michigan State will be looking to get revenge in 2025.
October 18: Ohio State
The Spartans’ biggest home game of the season will be against their rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State is one of the top teams in the country, and they will be a heavy favorite in this game. However, the Spartans have a history of playing Ohio State tough at home, and they will be hoping to pull off an upset in 2025.
November 8: Rutgers
Michigan State will close out their 2025 home schedule against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Rutgers is a member of the Big Ten East, and they have been improving in recent years. However, the Spartans should be favored in this game, and they will be looking to finish their home schedule with a win.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | Akron | W 45-21 |
| September 13 | @ Boise State | W 42-35 |
| September 20 | Vanderbilt | W 38-10 |
| September 27 | @ Michigan | L 27-34 |
| October 4 | Wisconsin | W 31-24 |
| October 11 | @ Maryland | W 24-17 |
| October 18 | Ohio State | L 21-38 |
| October 25 | BYE | |
| November 1 | @ Purdue | W 35-21 |
| November 8 | Rutgers | W 31-14 |
| November 15 | @ Penn State | L 24-38 |
| November 22 | @ Illinois | W 28-10 |
Forecasting Potential Surprises and Underdogs
Surprises
Unanticipated standouts could emerge from the Spartans’ 2025 roster. Keep an eye on RB Jordon Simmons, who displayed flashes of brilliance during his freshman season. If he can improve his consistency, he could become a key contributor.
Another potential surprise is LB Brandon Wright. The true freshman is known for his athleticism and has the potential to make a significant impact. If he can quickly adjust to the college game, he could be a force on the defensive side of the ball.
Underdogs
While Michigan State enters the 2025 season with high expectations, there are a few teams that could challenge them for the Big Ten title. Ohio State and Penn State are always formidable opponents, and Wisconsin could be a dark horse if they can maintain their recent momentum.
One team that could surprise in 2025 is Maryland. The Terrapins have made steady progress under head coach Mike Locksley, and they have a talented roster that could make some noise in the Big Ten East. Another potential underdog is Purdue, who has a rising star in quarterback Aidan O’Connell. If Purdue can put it all together, they could be a threat in the Big Ten West.
Purdue at Michigan State
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| September 6, 2025 | Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI |
This game could be a potential upset alert if Purdue lives up to its potential. Aidan O’Connell is a dangerous passer, and he has a talented group of receivers to work with. If the Boilermakers can limit Michigan State’s potent offense, they have a chance to pull off the upset.
Impact Players and Game-Changers to Watch
9. Keon Coleman, Wide Receiver
The 6’4″, 210-pound wide receiver from Belleville, Michigan, is an absolute beast. Coleman has the size, speed, and athleticism to be a dominant force in the Big Ten. As a true freshman in 2022, he hauled in 17 receptions for 268 yards and two touchdowns. With his talent and experience, Coleman is poised for a breakout season in 2025.
Coleman’s physical attributes are off the charts. He has a large frame with long arms and strong hands. He can out-jump and out-muscle defenders for the ball. He also has excellent burst off the line of scrimmage and can create separation with his speed. Coleman is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
In addition to his physical tools, Coleman is also a smart and savvy receiver. He has a good understanding of the game and knows how to get open. He is also a willing blocker, which makes him a valuable asset to the offense.
Coleman is expected to be one of the leaders of the Michigan State offense in 2025. He has the potential to be a first-team All-Big Ten selection and a future NFL draft pick. With Coleman on the field, the Spartans will always have a chance to win.
| Year | Games | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13 | 17 | 268 | 2 |
Projected Win-Loss Record and Season Outlook
Non-Conference Schedule
The Spartans’ non-conference schedule is not particularly daunting, featuring games against Eastern Michigan, Boise State, and a major non-conference opponent to be announced. The home contest against Boise State will be a good test for Michigan State early in the season.
Conference Schedule
The Spartans have a manageable Big Ten schedule, with home games against Wisconsin, Rutgers, Indiana, and Illinois. They also have road games against Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Purdue, and Nebraska. The rivalry game against Michigan will be played at home in 2025.
Projected Win-Loss Record
Based on the team’s schedule and talent level, a fair projection for the 2025 season is:
| Record | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|
| 9-3 | 5-1 | 4-2 |
This projection assumes that the Spartans will go 3-0 in non-conference play and 6-3 in Big Ten play.
Season Outlook
The Spartans are poised for a successful season in 2025. The team has a talented roster and a favorable schedule. If they can stay healthy and play to their potential, they should be a contender in the Big Ten East.
Key Players
- Payton Thorne, QB: Thorne is a rising star and one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten.
- Jalen Berger, RB: Berger is a powerful and versatile running back who is one of the most dangerous in the country.
- Keon Coleman, WR: Coleman is a speedy and elusive wide receiver who is one of Thorne’s favorite targets.
- Antonio Jeremiah, DL: Jeremiah is a disruptive defensive lineman who is one of the best pass rushers in the Big Ten.
- Xavier Henderson, LB: Henderson is a do-it-all linebacker who is one of the best defenders in the country.
Strengths
- Offense: The Spartans have a high-powered offense led by Thorne and Berger. They are capable of scoring points in bunches.
- Defense: The Spartans have a talented defense led by Jeremiah and Henderson. They are able to create turnovers and get pressure on the quarterback.
- Special teams: The Spartans have a solid special teams unit led by Bryce Baringer, one of the best punters in the country.
Weaknesses
- Offensive line: The Spartans’ offensive line is a bit inexperienced and could be a liability in pass protection.
- Secondary: The Spartans’ secondary is young and could be exploited by more experienced quarterbacks.
- Home-field advantage: The Spartans have not been as consistent at home in recent years, which could be a problem in 2025.
Michigan State 2025 Football Schedule
Michigan State’s 2025 football schedule has not been officially released, but the Spartans are expected to play a challenging slate of games. Michigan State is scheduled to open the season at home against Bowling Green on August 30, 2025. The Spartans will then travel to face Pittsburgh on September 6th, and will host Akron on September 13th. Michigan State will then open Big Ten play with a home game against Maryland on September 20th, before traveling to face Ohio State on September 27th. The Spartans will then host Wisconsin on October 4th, before traveling to face Indiana on October 11th. Michigan State will then have a bye week on October 18th, before returning to action on October 25th to face Penn State at home. The Spartans will then travel to face Rutgers on November 1st, before hosting Illinois on November 8th. Michigan State will then travel to face Purdue on November 15th, before closing out the regular season at home against Michigan on November 22nd.
People Also Ask About Michigan State 2025 Football Schedule
When is Michigan State’s first game in 2025?
Michigan State’s first game in 2025 is scheduled for August 30th at home against Bowling Green.
Who does Michigan State play in 2025?
Michigan State is scheduled to play Bowling Green, Pittsburgh, Akron, Maryland, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Indiana, Penn State, Rutgers, Illinois, Purdue, and Michigan in 2025.
Where can I find the Michigan State 2025 football schedule?
The Michigan State 2025 football schedule can be found on the Michigan State athletics website.
