Michigan State is gearing up for a pivotal 2025 season, and the schedule sets the stage for both promise and peril. With no Ohio State or Oregon in sight, the Spartans have dodged two major bullets. But that doesn’t mean they have an easy ride. Trips to USC, Nebraska, and Iowa loom large, and home matchups against Michigan and Penn State could make or break the year.
2025 Michigan State Football Schedule:
• Aug 30– Western Michigan
• Sept 6– Boston College
• Sept 13– Youngstown State
• Sept 20– at USC
• Sept 27– OPEN DATE
• Oct 4– at Nebraska
• Oct 11– UCLA
• Oct 18– at Indiana
• Oct 25– Michigan
• Nov 1– at Minnesota
• Nov 8– OPEN DATE
• Nov 15– Penn State
• Nov 22– at Iowa
• Nov 29– Maryland
What Works in Their Favor
• No Ohio State or Oregon:The Spartans avoid two of the toughest teams in the Big Ten, giving them a real chance to compete.
• Strong Home Stretch:Michigan and Penn State both come to East Lansing, where the crowd could be a game-changer.
• A Soft Start:Three straight home games give Michigan State a chance to build momentum before conference play.
The Challenges Ahead
• Early Road Gauntlet:A four-week stretch with three road games(USC, Nebraska, Indiana) could derail the season early.
• No Back-to-Back Home Games in Big Ten Play:After October 5, every home game is sandwiched between road trips.
• Tricky Boston College Matchup:The Eagles aren’t a powerhouse, but they’re tough enoughto hand the Spartans an early setback.
Best-Case Scenario:
Michigan State storms out of the gate with a 3-0 start, including a crucial win over Boston College. They split their USC and Nebraska road games, giving them a shot at a strong conference run. They shock Michigan at home, take advantage of the bye week to beat Penn State, and steal at least one of their final three road games to make bowl eligibility a breeze. A win over Maryland in the finale seals an impressive turnaround season.
Worst-Case Scenario:
A loss to Boston College sets an ominous tone, and the road stretch crushes their confidence. Michigan dominates them, and Penn State proves too much to handle. With only one road win all year, their bowl dreams collapse by mid-November, and they limp to the finish line against Maryland.
Prediction:
Michigan State scraps its way to six wins and bowl eligibility, but it won’t be easy. If they stumble against Boston College, they’ll have to fight for every win the rest of the way. However, Jonathan Smith’s program will show flashes of a promising future, giving Spartan fans something to look forward to.
