Honestly, if you look at the history of Nebraska Cornhuskers football vs Michigan State Spartans football, it’s not just a series of games. It’s a weird, high-stakes psychological thriller. For decades, these two programs lived in completely different universes. Nebraska was the titan of the 90s, a machine that turned out national titles like a factory. Michigan State was the gritty, lunch-pail program from the Great Lakes.
But then 2011 happened. Nebraska moved to the Big Ten, and suddenly, these two were roommates who didn’t always get along.
Most people think this "rivalry" is a lopsided affair based on Nebraska's historical blue-blood status. That’s a mistake. Since Nebraska joined the conference, the series has been a dead heat. In fact, as of the start of the 2025 season, the Big Ten era record between them was tied at 4-4. It’s become one of those "throw the records out" matchups where someone always loses a heartbreaker in the final three minutes.
The Dylan Raiola Factor and the 2025 Shift
Everything changed recently with the arrival of Dylan Raiola in Lincoln. In 2024, Raiola became the first true freshman in Nebraska history to win a bowl game, leading the Huskers to a 7-6 finish. By the time the 2025 matchup rolled around in October, the hype was deafening.
The October 4, 2025, game at Memorial Stadium was a masterpiece of modern Big Ten football. Nebraska came in with a 3-1 record, fresh off a stinging three-point loss to Michigan. Raiola was playing like a man possessed, having set a school record with 20 consecutive completions earlier in the season.
Michigan State, under Jonathan Smith, wasn't there to roll over. They brought a top-tier special teams unit and a defense that refused to break early. But the Huskers' air attack was too much. Nebraska took that one 38-27, snapping a two-game winning streak by the Spartans.
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That game wasn't just a win; it was a statement. It showed that Nebraska's "nation-leading" passing efficiency—they were ranking second in the country at over 350 yards per game at the time—wasn't a fluke.
Why the "Miracle" of 2015 Still Matters
You can't talk about Nebraska Cornhuskers football vs Michigan State Spartans football without mentioning the 2015 game. Ask any fan in Lincoln where they were when Tommy Armstrong Jr. led that final drive.
Michigan State was ranked No. 6 in the country. They were undefeated and headed toward the College Football Playoff. Nebraska was... struggling. Mike Riley's first year was a rollercoaster of one-score losses.
With 17 seconds left, Brandon Reilly caught a 30-yard touchdown pass that arguably shouldn't have counted because he stepped out of bounds. The refs ruled he was pushed. Nebraska won 39-38.
It was pure chaos.
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That game encapsulates the entire series. It doesn't matter if one team is a national title contender and the other is fighting for bowl eligibility. When the Spartans and Huskers meet, weird things happen. Whether it's the 9-6 "no-touchdown" slog in 2018 or the overtime thriller in East Lansing in 2021 where MSU won 23-20, these games are never, ever comfortable.
Defensive Identities and Coaching Philosophy
Jonathan Smith has brought a specific "West Coast" flavor to Michigan State that mirrors what he did at Oregon State. He likes balance. He likes smart, efficient quarterback play. On the other side, Matt Rhule has spent his time at Nebraska trying to rebuild the "Blackshirts" identity while modernizing the offense.
Looking at the stats from their recent encounters, a few things stand out:
- The Margin: The five games leading up to 2025 were decided by a combined 15 points. That is an average of three points per game.
- The Location: Nebraska has historically dominated in Lincoln (leading the home series 6-1), but the Spartans have been incredibly tough to beat in East Lansing.
- The Passing Game: While Nebraska has leaned into the Raiola era with a pass-heavy scheme, the Spartans have traditionally relied on a suffocating run defense to keep the Huskers one-dimensional.
The series history technically leads in Nebraska's favor (10-4 overall after the 2025 game), but that includes wins from 1914 and 1920. If you’re a bettor or a die-hard fan, those leather-helmet stats don't mean a thing. What matters is the trench warfare that has defined their Big Ten meetings.
What’s Next for the Huskers and Spartans?
As we look toward the 2026 season, the schedule is already shaping up for another clash. The 2026 game is slated to take place at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
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For Nebraska, the goal is simple: prove that the 2025 win wasn't just a "home field" advantage. They need to win on the road in the Big Ten to be considered true contenders for the expanded playoff. For Michigan State, 2026 represents the third year of the Jonathan Smith era—usually the year where a coach's system truly takes flight.
Key things to watch in the next matchup:
- The Battle of the Trenches: Michigan State’s defensive line against Nebraska’s evolving offensive line.
- Special Teams: MSU has consistently used their special teams as a weapon in this series to flip the field.
- Raiola’s Maturity: By 2026, Dylan Raiola will be a seasoned veteran. How he handles the hostile environment in East Lansing will determine the outcome.
To get the most out of following this matchup, don't just look at the AP Poll. Look at the injury reports for the offensive lines. In a series this close, a single missing starting guard can be the difference between a win and a three-point heartbreak. Keep an eye on the mid-week press conferences from Matt Rhule and Jonathan Smith; they often signal whether they're planning to "slug it out" or try to outpace the other with explosive plays.
If history tells us anything, you should probably clear your Saturday schedule and expect the game to come down to a field goal in the final minute.