Michigan State Spartans Set to Face Toledo Rockets in Season Opener

The Michigan State Spartans are preparing to kick off their 2026 college football season against the Toledo Rockets at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. This matchup marks the beginning of a new era for the Spartans, who are coming off a challenging 4-8 season in 2025 and have appointed a new head coach, Pat Fitzgerald.

Toledo, which finished last season with an 8-5 record and a 6-2 mark in conference play, will also debut a new head coach, Mike Jacobs, following Jason Candle's departure to UConn. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with Michigan State favored by 10 points according to DraftKings Sportsbook, and the Over/Under set at 48.5 points.

Both teams face significant roster changes, with Michigan State returning only 27% of its snaps from the previous season, while Toledo retains just 17%. The Spartans have not enjoyed a winning season since 2021, and fans are eager for improvement. The SportsLine Projection Model suggests that the Under may be a likely outcome, given the new dynamics and adjustments required for both teams.