A cautious path to postseason play
According to the projections, the Spartans will end up with a 6-6 record, which would qualify them for a postseason appearance for the first time since 2021. This expected performance follows a bumpy schedule. The team is anticipated to begin the season with two wins, but then fall to Notre Dame and Nebraska before regaining their form with consecutive wins over Wisconsin, Illinois, and Northwestern. This three-game winning streak would give them a 5-2 record and give the team some momentum.
A late-season surge and a rocky finish
However, things become challenging after this. The forecast shows four straight losses to UCLA, Michigan, Washington, and Oregon, followed by a crucial win over Rutgers that would ensure a bowl-eligible season. This sequence of events reflects a common pattern—building momentum, then struggling under pressure in the final stretch.
That final match against Rutgers is critical. A win would prevent the Spartans from their first winless Big Ten season in over a decade. A loss would likely mean another offseason filled with questions and uncertainty.
More optimism than most
Overall, Michigan State is entering the 2026 season with modest hopes. The projected win total is set at 4.5, and these predictions are forecasting two more victories than that. This stands out in a season where most national outlooks see the team as a quiet, underachieving unit.
Robert Bondy, the writer for Spartans Wire, aligns with this view. He is still putting together his own projections, but they should look very similar.