2026 Michigan State Football Preview
Jake Wimberly
Abby Boyd Contributing-
What’s to like:
Michigan State enters the season with a new coaching staff led by Pat Fitzgerald, and that brings a different level of experience to the program. Fitzgerald has spent years building competitive teams, while offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan brings familiarity with developing offenses. Together, they provide Michigan State with a fresh start as the Spartans continue rebuilding.
The Spartans also return veteran players along the line of scrimmage, giving them experience in one of the most important areas of the field. Having older players up front should help ease the transition to a new coaching staff while providing stability for both the offense and defense. That experience will be especially valuable early in the season.
What’s not to like:
Depth continues to be one of Michigan State's biggest concerns. The Spartans are still working to build a roster capable of competing with the top teams in the conference, and injuries could quickly become an issue if younger players are forced into significant roles. Building quality depth is one of the biggest steps remaining in the rebuilding process.
Michigan State also has to replace its top pass rushers, and the offensive line still needs to improve. Generating pressure without experienced edge players won't be easy, while the offense needs better protection and more consistency in the running game. Until those areas improve, it may be difficult for the Spartans to make a significant jump in the standings.
What does the Hourglass say?
Michigan State- Big Ten (3-9)
Power ranking 28.27.
2026 Michigan State Analytics
National recruiting rating (three year metric): #59- outside the boundary of a National Championship Roster.
National Coaching Ranking:
Pat Fitzgerald- 34th in Power 5 and 10th in the Big Ten.
2026 coaching value= 21 (average 2026 Power 5 coaching value=21.93) Pat Fitzgerald is ranked middle of the pack for coaches in the Power 5.
Quarterback Play: Alessio Milivojevic- ranked 61st in the Power 4, 13th in the Big Ten; 2026 QB value= 17.1 (Power 4 average- 26.43).
Impact Ball Catcher Metric: Michigan State has an Impact Ball Catcher Metric of 2. This puts the Spartans at the lower tier for the Big Ten in this metric.
Final Thoughts:
Michigan State begins a new era with Pat Fitzgerald leading the program. There are experienced players returning up front, but the Spartans still have work to do building depth and replacing key production on defense. If the new coaching staff can establish consistency, Michigan State should show progress as the season moves along.
2026 Schedule analysis:
Projected Hourglass W/L record: Games in red denote games that could be a one possession game or even a different outcome than projection.
9/4/26 Toledo- Win
9/12/26 Eastern Michigan- Win
9/19/26 At Notre Dame- Loss
9/26/26 Nebraska- Loss
10/3/26 At Wisconsin- Loss
10/10/26 Illinois- Loss
10/17/26 Northwestern- Win
10/24/26 At UCLA- Loss
11/7/26 At Michigan- Loss
11/14/26 Washington- Loss
11/20/26 Oregon- Loss
11/28/26 At Rutgers- Loss
