You’ve got the green and white gear ready. The snacks are prepped. But then comes that familiar, frantic Saturday scramble: what channel is the michigan state basketball game on today?
Honestly, being a Spartan fan in 2026 means having about five different streaming apps and a TV guide that changes faster than a Tom Izzo mood swing during a turnover-heavy first half. Today, the No. 12 Spartans are taking their show on the road, heading way out west to face the Washington Huskies.
If you’re looking for the quick answer, here it is: The game is on the Big Ten Network (BTN). Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM ET.
Where to Watch Michigan State vs. Washington
This isn't one of those "Peacock-only" games that makes everyone over 60 call their grandkids for tech support. Since it's a Big Ten matchup on a Saturday, the Big Ten Network has the primary broadcast.
If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't out of luck. You can stream the action through the Fox Sports App or the website, provided you have a login from a provider like Xfinity, Spectrum, or DirecTV. For the true streamers who don't touch cable, services like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV all carry BTN.
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Just a heads up: check your local listings because sometimes these "national" broadcasts get a little wonky with regional alternate channels.
The Fast Facts for Today
- Matchup: No. 12 Michigan State (15-2) at Washington (10-7)
- Time: 6:00 PM Eastern (3:00 PM Pacific for the folks in Seattle)
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network
- Radio: Spartan Media Network (WJR-AM 760 in Detroit, WMMQ-FM 94.9 in Lansing)
- Venue: Alaska Airlines Arena (Hec Edmundson Pavilion)
Why This Game is Kinda Weird
This isn't your typical January Big Ten slog. This is the new reality of the conference. Michigan State is flying across three time zones to play a "conference game" in Seattle. It’s the Spartans' first trip to the Emerald City since 1957. Back then, gas was 24 cents a gallon and the Big Ten actually had ten teams.
The travel is a legitimate factor. Flying five hours and then playing in a venue where the fans are encouraged to "Purple Reign" can mess with a team’s rhythm. Washington isn't exactly a powerhouse this year, but they just hung tough with Michigan and they’ve got a knack for making things ugly at home.
The Players You Need to Watch
If you haven't been keeping a close eye on the roster this season, two names are basically running the show: Jeremy Fears Jr. and Jaxon Kohler.
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Fears is playing like a vintage Izzo point guard. He's currently second in the nation in assists, averaging nearly 9 a game. He just dropped a career-high 23 points on Indiana, proving he's not just a pass-first floor general anymore. Then you’ve got Kohler, who has turned into a double-double machine. He’s been cleaning up the glass so well that the Spartans currently lead the Big Ten in rebounding margin.
On the Washington side, keep an eye on Zoom Diallo. He’s a dynamic guard who can get to the rim at will. If Fears and the MSU perimeter defense can't keep him in front of them, it's going to be a long night in the Pacific Northwest.
Tactical Breakdown: What to Expect
Michigan State wins games by being "boring" in the best way possible. They play elite defense—currently ranked No. 2 in adjusted defensive efficiency—and they dominate the boards. They basically try to out-muscle you for 40 minutes until you get tired of being bumped.
Washington, however, likes to fly. They take a lot of threes—often over 25 a game. It's a classic clash of styles. If the Huskies get hot from deep, the Hec Ed Pavilion gets loud, and the Spartans' legs are heavy from the flight, we could see an upset. But if MSU controls the pace and limits Washington to one shot per possession, the Spartans should cruise.
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How to Listen if You're on the Road
Maybe you’re stuck in traffic on I-96 or running errands. You can still catch the legendary Will Tieman on the call. The Spartan Media Network is the way to go. Most folks in Michigan can find it on 760 AM or 94.9 FM. If you have SiriusXM, tune into channel 113 or 196. There's something nostalgic about listening to Spartan basketball on the radio that a 4K TV just can't replicate.
What’s Next for the Spartans?
After tonight’s late-night West Coast special, the Spartans don't get much of a break. They stay out West to face Oregon in Eugene on Tuesday night. It’s a grueling stretch that will likely define whether this team is a Final Four contender or just another solid seed in the tournament.
Your Game Day Checklist
- Verify you have Big Ten Network in your channel lineup before 5:55 PM.
- Check the Fox Sports App if you’re planning to stream on a tablet or phone.
- Keep an eye on the injury report—Jacob Ognacevic just returned for Washington and could be a wildcard.
- Set a reminder for the Oregon game on Tuesday (9:00 PM ET), as that one is often tucked away on a different schedule.
The Spartans are 5-1 in the Big Ten for a reason. They’re tough, they’re veteran-led, and they finally have the post presence they’ve lacked the last couple of seasons. Enjoy the game, and let's see if they can handle the jet lag.