Michigan State is finally back on the gridiron this Saturday, kicking off a brand new era for the Spartans after a rough 4-8 season in 2025. Their first opponent? The Toledo Rockets, rolling into Spartan Stadium for a Week 1 showdown that’s got some serious question marks hanging over both teams.
Total Overhaul in East Lansing and Beyond
This isn’t just a new season; it’s a full reset for Michigan State. After that tough 4-8 finish last year, the Spartans are bringing in a new head coach, Pat Fitzgerald. This guy’s got Big Ten experience for days, having coached Northwestern for years before his recent hiatus. He’s got a job on his hands, especially with only 27% of last season’s snaps returning to East Lansing. We’re talking about a mostly new squad, led by redshirt sophomore Alessio Milivojevic under center. Spartan fans haven’t seen a winning season since 2021, and that’s gotta be a tough pill to swallow for such a big school with a huge sports identity. Impatient? You bet they are.
Toledo isn’t exactly stable either, though. They’re also breaking in a new head coach, Mike Jacobs, after Jason Candle bounced for UConn. Jacobs spent the last two years as head coach at FCS Mercer, so he’s jumping into the FBS big time. And get this: Toledo retains a shocking 17% of its total snaps from last season! That’s nearly an entirely new roster Jacobs is working with. The Rockets had a solid 8-5 record last year, including a 6-2 conference run in the MAC, so it’ll be interesting to see what this fresh squad can do.
The Stakes Are Real, And The Spread Shows It
So, what are the oddsmakers saying about this wild Week 1 matchup? Despite all the changes, Michigan State is a 10-point favorite playing at home, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. That’s a hefty spread for a team with so many new faces trying to turn things around. The money line has the Spartans at -440, with Toledo sitting at +340. The Over/Under for total points is set at 48.5, with the Over at -105 and the Under at -115.
It’s clear the books are giving MSU the home-field advantage and a nod to Fitzgerald’s Big Ten pedigree, but don’t sleep on Toledo entirely. They’re actually the third favorite to win the MAC at +425, showing some respect for their conference strength despite the turnover. Michigan State, on the other hand, is a massive +50000 longshot to win the Big Ten. This game is all about setting the tone for their season.
This Week 1 clash is more than just an opener. It’s the first real test for two completely revamped programs. Can Pat Fitzgerald and Alessio Milivojevic get the Spartans back on track for a winning season, something they haven’t seen since 2021? Or will Toledo, even with their wild roster turnover and new coach Mike Jacobs, play spoiler? Get ready for kickoff at 8 p.m. ET Saturday, folks, because the 2026 college football season starts now!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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