Michigan State football faces stiff test in Toledo showdown
The Spartans are set to kick off their 2026 season against Toledo, a traditionally solid Rockets program that is looking to keep the game interesting despite the significant talent gap between the two teams.
Michigan State is under new leadership this season, with Pat Fitzgerald taking over as head coach. This will be his first game at the helm, and he will be looking to get the Spartans back to a bowl game after a four-year drought.
The Spartans and Toledo have a long history, with the two teams having met only once before in 1925. Michigan State won that game 58-0, but the Rockets are likely to put up a stronger fight this time around.
This will be the first game for both head coaches, with Pat Fitzgerald leading Michigan State and Mike Jacobs leading Toledo. Fitzgerald last coached at Northwestern in 2022, while Jacobs is entering his first season at Toledo after making the jump from FCS program Mercer.
The game will take place at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan, on September 4, 2026. Michigan State is predicted to win the game 31-13, with quarterback Alessio Milivojevic expected to have a solid season-opening performance.
The Spartans will be looking to get back on the winning side, but Toledo is a tough opponent to start the season against. The Rockets have a strong program and are likely to give Michigan State a run for their money.
This is the first of a series of game-by-game predictions for the Spartans' 2026 schedule. Each morning, a new prediction will be released following Michigan State's schedule.
The Spartans will look to start the season on a high note against Toledo, but it won't be an easy win. The game will be a test of Fitzgerald's leadership and the team's overall strength.
The Rockets will be looking to pull off an upset, but Michigan State's talent and depth are likely to give them the edge they need to win. The game will be a closely contested one, with both teams giving it their all.
The outcome of the game will be a crucial test for both teams, and will set the tone for the rest of the season. The Spartans will be looking to get back on the winning side, while Toledo will be looking to make a statement against a power conference team.
Source: Yahoo Sports