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Mark your calendars, Spartans! Michigan State University’s 2025 football schedule promises an electrifying season filled with thrilling matchups and exciting challenges. Prepare yourself for a gridiron spectacle that will keep you on the edge of your seat from kickoff to the final whistle. The Spartans are poised to make a statement, showcasing their exceptional talent and unyielding determination against a formidable slate of opponents.
The journey commences on September 6th as the Spartans welcome the mighty Oregon Ducks to Spartan Stadium. This highly anticipated clash pits two storied programs against each other in a battle for supremacy. The Ducks, known for their high-flying offense and exceptional playmakers, will provide a stern test for Michigan State’s defense. However, the Spartans are confident in their ability to rise to the occasion and secure a season-opening victory.
Continuing their non-conference schedule, the Spartans will travel to the Lone Star State to face the Texas Longhorns on September 13th. The matchup against Texas, a perennial power in college football, will be a true test of the Spartans’ mettle. The Longhorns boast a talented roster and a passionate fan base, but Michigan State’s unwavering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence will propel them to compete at the highest level.
Spartans Begin 2025 Season with Challenging Non-Conference Slate
The Michigan State Spartans football team will open the 2025 season with a challenging non-conference schedule, featuring three Power Five opponents. The Spartans will host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on September 6th, travel to the Penn State Nittany Lions on September 13th, and welcome the Boise State Broncos on September 20th.
The matchup with Notre Dame will be the first meeting between the two schools since 2016. The Fighting Irish have won the last three meetings and hold a 6-1 advantage in the all-time series. The Spartans will be looking to snap their three-game losing streak to Notre Dame and earn a signature win under head coach Mel Tucker.
The trip to Happy Valley to face Penn State will be the first meeting between the two schools since 2017. The Nittany Lions have won the last two meetings and hold a 13-10 advantage in the all-time series. The Spartans will be hoping to end their four-game losing streak to Penn State and notch a road win against a tough opponent.
The game against Boise State will be the first meeting between the two schools. The Broncos are a perennial contender in the Mountain West Conference and have made 23 bowl appearances since 2000. The Spartans will look to continue their recent dominance against non-Power Five opponents and earn a home win against a quality team.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | Notre Dame | Spartan Stadium |
| September 13 | Penn State | Beaver Stadium |
| September 20 | Boise State | Spartan Stadium |
Big Ten Opener Tests MSU against Defending Champions
The Michigan State Spartans will open their 2025 Big Ten campaign with a challenging matchup against the defending conference champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes. The game will be played on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Matchup Preview
The Spartans enter the 2025 season with high expectations after a successful 2024 campaign that saw them finish 10-3 overall and 7-2 in the Big Ten. MSU returns several key players from that team, including star running back Kenneth Walker III. However, the Spartans will also need to replace some key contributors on both sides of the ball.
Ohio State is the defending Big Ten champion and one of the top teams in the country. The Buckeyes return a wealth of talent, including quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Ohio State is also expected to be strong on defense, led by linebacker Tommy Eichenberg.
Key Matchups
- Kenneth Walker III vs. Tommy Eichenberg: The battle between MSU’s star running back and Ohio State’s top linebacker will be a key matchup. Walker is one of the best running backs in the country, while Eichenberg is a tackling machine.
- C.J. Stroud vs. MSU’s secondary: Stroud is one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and he will test MSU’s secondary. The Spartans must be able to generate pressure on Stroud and force him into mistakes.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs. MSU’s cornerbacks: Smith-Njigba is one of the best wide receivers in the country, and he will be a challenge for MSU’s cornerbacks to cover. The Spartans must be able to limit Smith-Njigba’s production to have a chance to win.
| Team | 2024 Record | Returning Starters |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan State | 10-3 (7-2 Big Ten) | QB Payton Thorne RB Kenneth Walker III WR Jayden Reed LB Cal Haladay |
| Ohio State | 11-2 (8-1 Big Ten) | QB C.J. Stroud WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba CB Denzel Burke LB Tommy Eichenberg |
Home Games Highlight Midseason Stretch
Michigan State’s 2025 football schedule features a challenging midseason stretch with three consecutive home games against Big Ten East Division foes.
Home Games Highlight Midseason Stretch
Week 6: Rutgers (Oct. 4)
The Spartans open their home slate against Rutgers, a team they have defeated in each of the past three seasons. Rutgers is coming off a 7-6 record in 2024 and will be looking to make a statement against Michigan State in this early-season Big Ten East matchup.
Week 7: Ohio State (Oct. 11)
The following week, Michigan State welcomes Ohio State to Spartan Stadium in a game that could have major implications in the Big Ten East race. Ohio State is one of the top teams in the country and will be a formidable opponent for the Spartans. Michigan State will need to play its best game in order to pull off an upset.
Week 8: Michigan (Oct. 18)
The Spartans’ home stand concludes with a rivalry game against Michigan. The Wolverines are coming off a disappointing 9-4 season in 2024 and will be looking to bounce back in 2025. Michigan State has won two of the past three meetings with Michigan, but the Wolverines will be the favorites in this year’s matchup.
| Opponent | Date | Time | TV |
|—|—|—|—|
| Rutgers | Oct. 4 | Noon | ESPN |
| Ohio State | Oct. 11 | 7:30 p.m. | FOX |
| Michigan | Oct. 18 | 3:30 p.m. | CBS |
Road Trip to Iowa City Offers Chance for Spartans to Prove Themselves
This game will definitely be a test for Tucker’s Spartans, as the Hawkeyes are a perennial contender in the Big Ten West.
Spartans Have Struggled on the Road in Recent Years
Michigan State has not won a road game against a Power Five opponent since 2019, and they have lost their last four road games by an average of 27.5 points.
If the Spartans want to prove that they are a legitimate contender in the Big Ten, they need to start winning on the road.
Hawkeyes Will Be a Tough Opponent
Iowa is coming off a 10-4 season in 2021, and they return a lot of key players, including quarterback Spencer Petras and running back Tyler Goodson.
The Hawkeyes are also known for their tough defense, which ranked 11th in the nation in scoring defense last season.
The Spartans will need to be at their best to beat Iowa on the road.
Keys to the Game
Here are some keys to the game for the Spartans:
Establish the running game: The Spartans need to be able to run the ball effectively to keep the Iowa defense honest. Running back Kenneth Walker III is one of the best in the country, and he will need to have a big game.
Protect the quarterback: The Spartans’ offensive line needs to do a good job of protecting quarterback Payton Thorne. The Hawkeyes have a good pass rush, and they will be looking to pressure Thorne.
Limit turnovers: The Spartans cannot afford to give the ball away against Iowa. The Hawkeyes are a good team, and they will capitalize on any mistakes that the Spartans make.
Prediction
This is a tough game to predict, but I think the Spartans have a chance to win if they can play their best game.
I predict that the Spartans will win a close game, 24-21.
East Lansing Clash Features Top-25 Matchup
The 2025 season will kick off with a bang for Michigan State Football, as the Spartans will host the Washington Huskies in a top-25 matchup at Spartan Stadium on September 6. The Huskies, who finished the 2023 season ranked No. 24 in the AP Poll, will be led by rising star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and a talented receiving corps featuring Rome Odunze and Giles Jackson. The Spartans, meanwhile, will be looking to rebound from a disappointing 2023 campaign and will be led by a young and talented team featuring quarterback Payton Thorne, running back Jalen Berger, and wide receiver Jayden Reed. The game is sure to be a battle of two of the top teams in the Pac-12 and Big Ten, and it will be a great way to open the 2025 season for both teams.
Non-Conference Schedule
In addition to their matchup with Washington, the Spartans will also face a pair of non-conference opponents from the Group of Five in Ball State and Central Michigan. Ball State, which finished the 2023 season with a 7-6 record, will visit Spartan Stadium on September 13. Central Michigan, which finished the 2023 season with a 9-4 record and won the MAC Championship Game, will host the Spartans on September 20. The Spartans will be heavily favored in both games, but they will need to avoid any letdowns if they want to start the season with a strong record.
Big Ten Schedule
The Spartans’ Big Ten schedule is highlighted by a pair of home games against Ohio State and Penn State. Ohio State, which finished the 2023 season ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll, will visit Spartan Stadium on October 11. Penn State, which finished the 2023 season ranked No. 10 in the AP Poll, will visit Spartan Stadium on November 8. The Spartans will also face a pair of road games against Michigan and Wisconsin. The Spartans will travel to Ann Arbor to face the Wolverines on October 25 and to Madison to face the Badgers on November 15. The Spartans will also host Indiana, Purdue, and Maryland and will travel to Rutgers and Illinois. The Spartans will be looking to improve on their 5-8 record in Big Ten play in 2023.
2025 Michigan State Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | Washington | Spartan Stadium |
| September 13 | Ball State | Spartan Stadium |
| September 20 | Central Michigan | Kelly/Shorts Stadium |
| September 27 | at Rutgers | SHI Stadium |
| October 4 | Maryland | Spartan Stadium |
| October 11 | Ohio State | Spartan Stadium |
| October 18 | at Illinois | Memorial Stadium |
| October 25 | at Michigan | Michigan Stadium |
| November 1 | Purdue | Spartan Stadium |
| November 8 | Penn State | Spartan Stadium |
| November 15 | at Wisconsin | Camp Randall Stadium |
| November 22 | Indiana | Spartan Stadium |
Spartans Face Tough Two-Game Stretch in November
Michigan State football will face a challenging November schedule that features two top-15 opponents. The Spartans will travel to No. 11 Ohio State on November 20 and then host No. 6 Penn State on November 27.
The game against Ohio State will be the Spartans’ biggest test of the season. The Buckeyes are one of the top teams in the country and are currently ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll.
The game against Penn State will also be a tough test. The Nittany Lions are currently ranked No. 10 in the AP Poll and have one of the best defenses in the country.
The Spartans will need to be at their best to compete with both Ohio State and Penn State. If they can pull off wins in both games, it would give them a major boost in their quest for a Big Ten Championship.
Nittany Lions’ Defense
Penn State’s defense is one of the best in the country. They are led by All-American linebacker Micah Parsons, who is one of the most disruptive players in the nation. The Nittany Lions also have a strong secondary, led by cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields.
The Spartans will need to find a way to move the ball against Penn State’s defense. They will need to establish a running game and protect quarterback Anthony Russo. If they can do that, they will have a chance to win the game.
| Penn State Defensive Starters | Position |
|---|---|
| Micah Parsons | Linebacker |
| Tariq Castro-Fields | Cornerback |
| Jaquan Brisker | Safety |
| Brandon Smith | Linebacker |
| Joey Porter Jr. | Cornerback |
Season Concludes with Home Game against Rival Michigan
The 2025 season for Michigan State University football concludes with a home game against their rivals, the University of Michigan Wolverines. The game will be played on Saturday, November 29th at Spartan Stadium, and will be the final game of the regular season for both teams. The Spartans will be looking to end the season on a high note, and will be hoping to snap a two-game losing streak to the Wolverines. Michigan State has not defeated Michigan since 2017, and will be looking to reclaim the Paul Bunyan Trophy, which is awarded to the winner of this rivalry game.
Michigan State 2025 Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|—|—|—|
| September 6 | Western Michigan | Spartan Stadium |
| September 13 | Akron | Info TBD |
| September 20 | Louisiana | Spartan Stadium |
| September 27 | at Washington | Husky Stadium |
| October 4 | Ohio State | Spartan Stadium |
| October 11 | Idle | |
| October 18 | at Maryland | |
| October 25 | at Wisconsin | |
| November 1 | Purdue | Spartan Stadium |
| November 8 | at Rutgers | |
| November 15 | at Illinois | |
| November 22 | at Penn State | |
| November 29 | Michigan | Spartan Stadium |
Game Day Information
Tickets for the Michigan game will go on sale in July of 2025. Fans can purchase tickets online, by phone, or in person at the Spartan Stadium ticket office. Prices for tickets will vary depending on the seat location and the date of purchase.
The game is expected to be a sellout, so fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets early. Parking for the game will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure a parking spot.
The game will be broadcast live on Fox. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. EST.
Prediction for MSU’s 2025 Football Season
8. Week 8: at Illinois
The Spartans will head to Champaign to face the Illinois Fighting Illini in Week 8. The Illini are coming off a disappointing 5-7 season in 2022, but they return a solid core of players and have been predicted to finish in the middle of the Big Ten West standings in 2025. MSU will be looking to avenge last year’s disappointing 20-10 loss to Illinois, but it will be a tough task on the road.
MSU’s record against Illinois: 18-9-2
Last meeting: October 8, 2022 (Illinois won 20-10)
Prediction: MSU wins 24-17
| MSU’s 2025 Football Schedule |
|---|
| Week 1: vs. Western Michigan |
| Week 2: at Pittsburgh |
| Week 3: vs. Akron |
| Week 4: at Nebraska |
| Week 5: vs. Purdue |
| Week 6: vs. Ohio State |
| Week 7: at Wisconsin |
| Week 8: at Illinois |
| Week 9: vs. Maryland |
| Week 10: at Rutgers |
| Week 11: vs. Michigan |
| Week 12: at Indiana |
| Week 13: vs. Penn State |
Key Players to Watch in 2025
As the Spartans prepare for their 2025 campaign, they will look to a talented group of players to lead the way. Here are some key players to watch:
Quarterback: Payton Thorne
Thorne is a rising star who has already shown flashes of brilliance. In 2023, he threw for 3,756 yards and 30 touchdowns. He will be looking to build on that success in 2025.
Running Back: Elijah Collins
Collins is a physical runner who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. In 2023, he rushed for 1,588 yards and 19 touchdowns. He will be the focal point of the Spartans’ offense in 2025.
Wide Receiver: Jayden Reed
Reed is a blazing-fast wide receiver who is a nightmare for opposing defenses. In 2023, he caught 102 passes for 1,680 yards and 16 touchdowns. He will be Thorne’s go-to target in 2025.
Tight End: Maliq Carr
Carr is a versatile tight end who can be a weapon in both the passing and running game. In 2023, he caught 34 passes for 512 yards and four touchdowns. He will be a key part of the Spartans’ offense in 2025.
Offensive Line: Jarrett Horst
Horst is a massive offensive lineman who is a mauler in the trenches. In 2023, he started all 13 games at right tackle. He will be a key part of the Spartans’ offensive line in 2025.
Defensive Line: Aaron Alexander
Alexander is a disruptive defensive lineman who is a force in the pass rush. In 2023, he recorded 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. He will be looking to continue wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks in 2025.
Linebacker: Darius Snow
Snow is a hard-hitting linebacker who is a leader on the Spartans’ defense. In 2023, he recorded 110 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. He will be the anchor of the Spartans’ defense in 2025.
Cornerback: Chuck Brantley
Brantley is a lockdown cornerback who is one of the best in the country. In 2023, he intercepted four passes and broke up 12 passes. He will be looking to continue his dominance in 2025.
Safety: Xavier Henderson
Henderson is a ball-hawking safety who is a threat to make a big play every time he steps on the field. In 2023, he intercepted six passes and broke up 10 passes. He will be a key part of the Spartans’ secondary in 2025.
| GP | Att | Yards | TD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 33 | 1,279 | 15
Impact of Coaching Changes on the SpartansThe coaching changes that have occurred at MSU in recent years have had a significant impact on the program. Head coach Mel Tucker has overseen a major overhaul of the roster and coaching staff, and the results have been mixed. The Spartans have struggled in conference play but have shown promise in non-conference matchups. It remains to be seen whether Tucker can lead MSU back to prominence, but the changes he has made have certainly shaken up the program. Recruiting: A New Focus on Defensive PlayOne of the most noticeable changes under Tucker has been the focus on recruiting defensive players. The Spartans have signed a number of highly talented defensive recruits in recent years, and it has shown on the field. MSU’s defense has been one of the most improved units in the country, and it is now a major strength for the team. The Spartans have also been able to add some offensive firepower, but the defense has been the key to their success. Player Development: Emphasis on FundamentalsAnother area where Tucker has made a difference is in player development. The Spartans have a number of young players who are still learning the game, and Tucker has been patient with them. He has also been willing to give them opportunities to play, and it has paid off. Several of MSU’s young players have shown flashes of brilliance, and they will be key to the team’s future success. Team Culture: A Culture of Discipline and Hard WorkTucker has also worked to change the culture of the MSU football program. He has emphasized discipline and hard work, and it is evident in the way the Spartans play. The Spartans are a tough, physical team that never gives up. They may not always be the most talented team on the field, but they always play with heart and determination. That is a credit to the culture that Tucker has created. MSU 2025 Football Schedule OutlookThe 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 August 30th. They will then travel to face the Pittsburgh Panthers on September 6th and the Boise State Broncos on September 13th. MSU’s home schedule includes games against the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Michigan Wolverines, and the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Spartans will also face the Indiana Hoosiers, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, and the Maryland Terrapins at home. The Spartans will finish their 2025 regular season at home against the Illinois Fighting Illini on November 29th. People Also AskWhat are the key games on MSU’s 2025 football schedule?The key games on MSU’s 2025 football schedule are the games against Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. These are all top-tier opponents, and MSU will need to play well to win these games. What are MSU’s chances of winning the Big Ten Championship in 2025?MSU’s chances of winning the Big Ten Championship in 2025 will depend on a number of factors, including the performance of the team, the performance of other teams in the conference, and injuries. MSU has a talented team, but they will need to play well to win the championship. Who is MSU’s starting quarterback in 2025?MSU’s starting quarterback in 2025 is currently unknown. The Spartans have a number of talented quarterbacks on their roster, but no one has yet emerged as the clear-cut starter. |
