So, you're sitting there, maybe wearing your favorite green and white hoodie, wondering what time does michigan state football play today? I get it. The itch for Spartan football never really goes away, especially when you’re used to those crisp East Lansing Saturdays where the air smells like charcoal and optimism.
But I have to be the bearer of some slightly boring news: the Michigan State Spartans are not playing a football game today, Friday, January 16, 2026.
Honestly, it’s just the wrong time of year for live downs and distance. The 2025 season wrapped up a while ago, and we are currently in that weird "dead zone" where the only thing hitting the turf is snow. If you see people tailgating at Spartan Stadium today, they're probably just lost or very, very committed to the lifestyle.
Why the Spartans Aren't on the Field Right Now
College football is a seasonal beast. The Spartans finished their 2025 campaign with a 4-8 record, which, let's be real, wasn't exactly the "return to glory" everyone was hoping for under Pat Fitzgerald. Because they didn't hit that magic six-win mark for bowl eligibility, their season effectively ended back in November after that win against Maryland at Ford Field.
Currently, the college football world is fixated on the College Football Playoff National Championship, which is set for January 19, 2026. It’s a bit of a sting for Spartan fans to see Indiana—yes, the Hoosiers—sitting at the #1 spot and preparing to take on Miami for the title.
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While there’s no game today, the program is far from quiet. Between the transfer portal madness and the recruiting trail, the "offseason" is basically a full-time job for the coaching staff.
What You Can Watch Today Instead
If you’re absolutely dying for some MSU athletics, you’re actually in luck. The football team might be hibernating, but other Spartan squads are carrying the torch.
- Spartan Hockey: Adam Nightingale has the boys skating fast. They just came off a massive win against #2 Wisconsin last night. If you’re looking for that competitive fix, the hockey team is the hottest ticket in town right now.
- Women's Basketball: They just pulled off a nail-biter against Nebraska at the Breslin Center.
- Wrestling and Gymnastics: Both programs are in the thick of their Big Ten schedules this week.
Looking Ahead: Michigan State Football Play Today (In September)
I know you want a kickoff time. While I can't give you one for today, we can look at the 2026 Michigan State football schedule to see when the real fun starts.
The Spartans are scheduled to open the 2026 season on Saturday, September 5, 2026, against the Toledo Rockets.
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Usually, these early-season non-conference games at Spartan Stadium kick off at either 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM, or the occasional 7:00 PM "under the lights" slot. We won't know the exact television designations or kickoff times until the summer, typically around late May or June when the networks (Big Ten Network, FOX, NBC) start picking their games.
The 2026 Schedule Highlights
The upcoming season is going to be a gauntlet. Here’s a rough look at what’s on the horizon for the fall:
- September 5: Toledo (Home Opener)
- September 12: Eastern Michigan
- September 19: at Notre Dame (The Megaphone Trophy is back on the line!)
- TBA: The annual showdown with the Michigan Wolverines (In Ann Arbor this time).
- TBA: Huge home matchups against Oregon and Washington.
The Big Ten expansion has made the schedule look like a West Coast road trip some weeks. Having Oregon and Washington come to East Lansing is going to be wild, even if the travel logistics for those teams are a nightmare.
The Transfer Portal and Recruiting Update
Since you’re checking for game times, you’re clearly a die-hard. You should know that while no one is playing today, the roster for 2026 is being built as we speak.
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Coach Pat Fitzgerald has been aggressive. They recently landed a massive commitment from UConn transfer Ben Murawski, a left tackle who should help protect whoever wins the QB battle. Speaking of which, the quarterback room is the biggest question mark heading into spring ball. With Aidan Chiles having a year of experience under his belt but the portal always spinning, the depth chart is written in pencil, not pen.
There’s also a lot of buzz around four-star recruit Samson Gash. He’s been lighting it up at the Polynesian Bowl this week. He’s technically committed to MSU, but he’s "evaluating options," which is code for "every other coach in the country is calling his cell phone." Keeping him in the class is a bigger win than any January practice.
Actionable Steps for the Spartan Faithful
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can actually prepare for the 2026 season and stay in the loop:
- Check the Big Ten Network: They often run "Spring Football" previews starting in late February.
- Mark April on your calendar: That’s when the annual Green and White Spring Game usually happens. It's the first time you'll get an actual answer to "what time does Michigan State football play" with a real whistle and jerseys.
- Follow the Transfer Portal: The window is active. Watch for offensive line and secondary depth—that’s where the Spartans struggled most in 2025.
- Support the Winter Sports: Head over to Munn Ice Arena or the Breslin. The atmosphere is just as electric, and you don't have to wear four layers of thermal underwear to enjoy it.
The wait for September is long, but the rebuilding process is happening every single day in the Skandalaris Center. We’ll be back at the Red Cedar before you know it.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for tickets for the Toledo opener, keep an eye on the MSU ticket office website in July. They usually go on sale to the general public then, and the home opener almost always sells out fast.