If you’re waking up this Sunday, January 18, 2026, and frantically searching for what channel is the michigan state football game on today, I’ve got some news that might be a bit of a buzzkill.
There is no football game.
The Spartans are not on the gridiron today. Actually, the entire college football world is currently in that weird, quiet pocket between the semi-finals and the National Championship. If you look at the schedule, Michigan State’s 2025 season wrapped up back in November with a win over Maryland at Ford Field. They finished 4-8. No bowl game. No January madness for the football squad this year.
But wait. If you saw "Michigan State" and "Iowa" listed on your TV guide for tonight, you aren't hallucinating. You’re just looking at the wrong sport.
Why You’re Seeing Michigan State vs. Iowa Today
The confusion is real. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Michigan State Spartans are indeed playing the Iowa Hawkeyes, but it’s happening on the hardwood, not the turf.
This is a massive Women’s College Basketball matchup. We are talking about two teams that are absolutely on fire right now. Michigan State is sitting at 17-1, riding a nine-game winning streak. Iowa is 15-2 and hasn't lost in five games.
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Broadcast Details for Today (Jan 18, 2026)
- Matchup: Michigan State vs. Iowa (Women's Basketball)
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network (BTN)
- Live Stream: Fubo, Fox Sports App, or B1G+
So, if you turn on the Big Ten Network tonight expecting to see Pat Fitzgerald’s new-look football team, you’re going to see Kennedy Blair and Grace Vanslooten instead. Honestly? You should probably stay tuned anyway. This team is ranked way higher than the football team was all last year.
The State of Michigan State Football Right Now
Since there’s no game today, what exactly is happening in East Lansing? A lot. A total "rebirth," according to the new leadership.
The school made a massive splash by hiring Pat Fitzgerald back in December 2025. Yeah, that Pat Fitzgerald. After the Jonathan Smith era ended abruptly after just two seasons, the Spartans went for a guy who knows the Big Ten inside and out.
The football "game" right now isn't played on a field. It’s played in the transfer portal. Fitzgerald has been hitting it hard. He’s already secured over 25 new additions. Just two days ago, on January 16, they landed an All-American long-snapper, Trey Serauskis. It’s not a touchdown, but in the world of special teams, it’s a win.
The 2026 Football Schedule (Looking Ahead)
If you’re itching for actual football, you’ve got a long wait. The 2026 season doesn't kick off until September.
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- September 5, 2026: vs. Toledo (Home Opener)
- September 12, 2026: vs. Eastern Michigan
- September 19, 2026: at Notre Dame (The big one)
The rest of the Big Ten schedule—games against Michigan, Ohio State, and the new West Coast additions like Oregon and USC—is still waiting for official dates and times.
Where to Find Live Football Today
If you absolutely must watch football today and the Spartans' absence has left a hole in your soul, you have to look toward the pros.
Today is NFL Divisional Playoff Sunday.
The Houston Texans are taking on the New England Patriots earlier in the afternoon, and the Los Angeles Rams are facing the Chicago Bears in the evening. You can find those on CBS and FOX. No Green and White in sight, but it’s high-stakes football regardless.
Common Misconceptions About January Games
People often forget how the new College Football Playoff (CFP) structure works. With the expansion to 12 teams, the season does bleed into January, but only for the elite.
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If Michigan State had made a deep run, they would have been playing in a quarterfinal or semifinal around New Year’s. The National Championship for this season is actually scheduled for tomorrow night, Monday, January 19, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET.
Since MSU went 1-8 in conference play this past fall, they weren't even in the conversation for the "Big Six" bowls or the playoff bracket.
Actionable Steps for Spartan Fans
Since the football game you were looking for doesn't exist today, here is how you can actually support the Green and White over the next 24 hours:
- Watch the Women's Hoops Game: Tune into the Big Ten Network at 8:00 PM ET tonight. It’s a top-tier matchup in Iowa City.
- Check the Men's Basketball Result: The Men's team just played Washington yesterday (Jan 17). Jeremy Fears Jr. dropped 19 points in a big road win. Catch the highlights on the Spartan Athletics YouTube channel.
- Follow the Portal: Keep an eye on Pat Fitzgerald’s social media. He uses a "bat-signal" Spartan head post every time a new transfer commits. It’s been happening almost daily this month.
- Mark Your Calendar: Set a reminder for September 5, 2026. That’s the next time you’ll truly need to know what channel the football game is on.
The "storm" is happening in East Lansing, but it's a quiet one. No pads popping today, just a lot of recruiting calls and weight room sessions.
Summary for Today: Michigan State football is OFF. Michigan State Women's Basketball is ON at 8:00 PM ET on Big Ten Network.