If you’re currently flipping through your TV guide or frantically refreshing your sports apps to find out what channel is the michigan state football game on, I’ve got some news that might be a little frustrating.
There isn't a game. Not today, anyway.
It’s January 17, 2026. The 2025 college football season for the Spartans officially wrapped up back in late November. I know, the craving for Saturdays in East Lansing never really goes away, but the pads are in storage for now. While other teams are deep in the NFL playoffs or the final stages of the College Football Playoff, Jonathan Smith’s squad is currently in the "grind in silence" phase of the off-season.
The Confusion: Why You Might Be Seeing Michigan State Today
Wait, before you close this tab thinking you’re losing your mind—you probably did see Michigan State listed on the schedule today. But it’s not football.
The No. 12 ranked Michigan State Men’s Basketball team is playing a massive Big Ten road game against the Washington Huskies. This is likely where the confusion is coming from. If you were looking for that "Spartan Green" on your screen today, here is the actual broadcast info for the hoops game:
- Opponent: Washington Huskies
- Tip-off Time: 6:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network (BTN)
- Streaming: FOX Sports App
Honestly, the confusion is understandable. With the Big Ten expanding to include West Coast teams like Washington, Oregon, and UCLA, the "traditional" schedule feels different. Usually, by mid-January, we’re strictly in basketball mode, but the news cycle for football never actually stops.
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What Happened to the 2025 Season?
To understand why there’s no football game on right now, we have to look back at how the 2025 campaign ended. It was a year of "almosts" and building blocks under Coach Jonathan Smith.
The Spartans finished with a 4-8 overall record (1-8 in Big Ten play). Because they didn't hit that magic six-win threshold, they didn't qualify for a bowl game. Their final game of the season took place on November 29, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit against Maryland. They actually went out on a high note, beating the Terrapins 38-28.
Since they didn't make the postseason, the football team has been off the field for nearly two months. While fans of teams like Ohio State or Oregon are still watching their teams in January, the Spartans are focused on the 2026 recruiting class and the transfer portal.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Michigan State Football Schedule
If you’re already looking for the next time you can ask what channel is the michigan state football game on, you’ve got a bit of a wait. The 2026 season doesn't kick off until September.
The 2026 schedule is already starting to take shape, though kickoff times and TV networks won't be finalized until the summer. Here is what we know about the early 2026 slate:
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- September 5, 2026: vs. Toledo (Spartan Stadium)
- September 12, 2026: vs. Eastern Michigan (Spartan Stadium)
- September 19, 2026: at Notre Dame (South Bend, IN)
The Notre Dame game is the one everyone has circled. It’s a classic rivalry that hasn't been played annually lately, and it’s almost certain to be a primetime broadcast on a major network like NBC or ABC.
How to Watch Michigan State When They ARE Playing
When the season actually rolls around, finding the right channel has become a bit of a scavenger hunt thanks to the new Big Ten media rights deal.
Basically, the games are spread across four main "homes." You’ll usually find the Spartans on FOX (often the Big Noon Kickoff slot), CBS, or NBC. If it’s not on one of those "big three," it almost always defaults to the Big Ten Network.
For the cord-cutters, you’ve got to have a streaming service that carries these. YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV are the safest bets. Also, don't forget Peacock. NBC has been known to put a few exclusive Big Ten games behind their streaming paywall, which usually results in a lot of angry tweets from alumni, but that’s the reality of modern sports.
Recruiting and Portal News: The "Off-Season Game"
Just because there isn't a game on TV today doesn't mean nothing is happening. In fact, yesterday was a big day for the specialists.
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The Spartans just landed a commitment from Trey Serauskis, one of the top-rated long snappers in the 2026 class. I know, nobody gets hyped about a long snapper until a snap goes over the punter's head, but Serauskis is a big get. He’s the No. 2 ranked snapper in the country. This comes right after Zach Curtis, another 2026 commit, flipped his decision.
Coach Smith is also busy retaining talent. Running back Zion Gist recently confirmed he’s staying in East Lansing for the 2026 season. Keeping guys like Gist and Brandon Tullis in the building is just as important as the flashy portal signings.
Actionable Next Steps for Spartan Fans
Since you can't watch football today, here is how you can stay plugged in so you're ready for the 2026 season:
- Check out the Basketball Game: Tune into the Big Ten Network at 6:00 PM ET today to see the Spartans take on Washington. Tom Izzo’s squad is currently on a three-game win streak and looks like a legitimate threat in the conference.
- Monitor the Spring Game: Keep an eye out for the announcement of the 2026 Spring Green and White Game. This usually happens in April and is your first chance to see the new roster in action. It’s almost always televised on BTN.
- Update Your Apps: If you struggled to find the channel today, make sure you have the FOX Sports and Big Ten Plus (B1G+) apps downloaded and logged in. B1G+ is specifically where a lot of the non-football sports (like the gymnastics meet at Iowa today) are streamed.
The wait for football is long, but the work being done in the facility today is what determines if we're still asking "what channel is the game on" come January of next year.