The Michigan State Spartans will kick off their 2026 college football season against the Toledo Rockets on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.
Why it matters: This season opener marks the debut of new head coaches for both teams, with Michigan State's Pat Fitzgerald aiming to revive a struggling program and Toledo's Mike Jacobs stepping into his first game after taking over from Jason Candle.
Michigan State enters the game with a 4-8 record from last season, hoping to snap a four-year bowl drought.
Toledo finished tied for second in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 2026, making them a formidable opponent.
The Spartans are favored by 9.5 points, highlighting their expectations for a strong start.
Driving the news: Both teams are starting fresh, with Michigan State and Toledo both entering the matchup at 0-0. This game serves as a litmus test for each team’s offseason changes and adjustments.
Michigan State has brought in 32 transfers to overhaul their roster, which retained just 27% of its snaps from last season.
Toledo has retained only 17% of its snaps, highlighting the challenges both teams face with new personnel.
Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised on FS1, with streaming available on Fox One and Fubo.
State of play: The Spartans’ offense will be led by quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, who returns as a captain after throwing for 986 yards, 7 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions in his last four games of 2025.
Milivojevic's stability is key as he faces a Toledo defense bolstered by standout edge rusher Andrew Zock, who had 20 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks last season.
Running back Cam Edwards, a transfer from UConn, is expected to be a focal point of the Spartans' offense after rushing for 1,240 yards last season.
Toledo's offense will likely be led by John Alan Richter, a backup quarterback stepping into the starting role after four years.
The big picture: The game marks the beginning of a new season and a new era for both programs, each looking to establish themselves after disappointing previous seasons.
Fitzgerald, with 17 years of experience at Northwestern, aims to rejuvenate Michigan State’s program and lead them back to bowl eligibility.
Jacobs, previously the head coach at Mercer, is tasked with maintaining Toledo's competitive edge in the MAC.
This matchup is seen as a must-win for Michigan State to build momentum and restore confidence among fans.
What they're saying: Analysts are closely watching how both teams will perform under new leadership and with many new players.
Graham Couch from the Lansing State Journal predicts a close game, favoring Michigan State to avoid an upset but acknowledging Toledo's potential to challenge.
Couch emphasized key factors like the performance of running back Cam Edwards and the Spartans' revamped offensive line.
"This game is a must-win for Michigan State as they aim to end their bowl drought," Couch said.
By the numbers: Here are some key statistics and odds ahead of the game.
Michigan State is a 9.5-point favorite, with the total points set at 47.5 according to DraftKings.
Toledo’s last season saw them finish with an 8-5 record, including a 6-2 mark in the MAC.
Michigan State's offense ranked 97th in yardage in the FBS last season, indicating the need for improvement.
What's next: Following this opener, Michigan State will look to build on their performance as they face Eastern Michigan on September 12, 2026.
Toledo aims to capitalize on their momentum as they head into the rest of their MAC schedule.
Both teams will need to quickly address any weaknesses exposed in this opening matchup to remain competitive throughout the season.
Fans can catch the game on FS1, with streaming options available on Fox One and Fubo.