Michigan State opens 2026 season against Toledo on Friday
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 11:44 AM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Michigan State begins the 2026 football season at home on Friday against Toledo. The contest marks the debut of head coach Pat Fitzgerald at the helm of the Spartans program. This game is widely viewed as a pivotal opportunity for Michigan State to end a four-year bowl game drought. Lansing State Journal analyst Graham Couch identified five areas for the matchup, including the performance of running back Cam Edwards, the effectiveness of the overhauled offensive line, and the debut of Milivojevic. Questions surrounding the team's defensive capabilities and the composition of the Toledo roster remain central themes entering the opener. Couch projects Michigan State will prevail in the home contest, though the official score prediction is reserved for his full published breakdown.
- •Michigan State hosts Toledo on Friday to open the 2026 season.
- •Pat Fitzgerald makes his debut as the Michigan State head coach.
- •The game is considered a must-win for the Spartans' postseason aspirations.
- •Five key factors identified include offensive line play, running back production, and defensive depth.
- 11:44 AMYahoo Sports — MSU-Toledo Prediction, Matchup Analysis from LSJ's Graham Couch
"Graham Couch of the Lansing State Journal provides his analysis and prediction for Michigan State-Toledo on Friday
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