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Michigan State faces challenging schedule in Pat Fitzgerald's first season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 12:59 AM

Last updated Aug 19, 2026

Michigan State faces challenging schedule in Pat Fitzgerald's first season

Summary

Michigan State's 2026 football schedule features tough non-conference and Big Ten matchups. The Spartans begin their season on September 4 against Toledo at Spartan Stadium, followed by a key game against Notre Dame on September 19. The Big Ten opener is set for September 26 against Nebraska. The schedule includes significant home games against Illinois and Michigan, with a tough road trip to UCLA before a bye week. The November stretch is particularly challenging, with matchups against Michigan, Washington, and Oregon looming.

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Status Watch

•Michigan State starts its season September 4 against Toledo.
•The Spartans play Notre Dame on September 19 in South Bend.
•Big Ten play begins September 26 against Nebraska at home.
•Home games against Illinois and Michigan are pivotal for postseason aspirations.
•November features formidable opponents including Michigan, Washington, and Oregon.

Latest Updates

12:59 AMYahoo Sports — Michigan State’s 2026 Schedule Will Test the Spartans From Start to Finish

What they're saying

"
The Pat Fitzgerald era at Michigan State isn’t going to begin with an easy schedule. The Spartans’ 2026 slate features an interesting non-conference schedule, several winnable Big Ten games and a brutal November stretch that could determine whether Michigan State takes a major step forward in Fitzgerald’s first season. Michigan State will play seven games…
— Yahoo Sports

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