They won't have to wait long for a test when MSU heads to Chicago to play Duke in the Champions Classic. Besides the Blue Devils, MSU's marquee nonconference matchups include Tennessee on Nov. 17 in Knoxville, Tenn., Arkansas on Thanksgiving in Detroit, and Gonzaga in Santa Clara, Calif. on Dec. 19. All opponents were a 6-seed or better in last year's NCAA Tournament.

MSU is set for home-and-away conference games against Maryland on Dec. 9 and Feb. 2, 2027, Nebraska on Jan. 2, 2027 and Feb. 20, 2027, and Michigan, twice within two weeks on Feb. 13, 2027, and Feb. 26, 2027.

MSU will face a demanding Big Ten slate once conference play begins Dec. 2 against Minnesota at Breslin Center. They will travel to the West Coast to play UCLA and USC on Jan. 9 and Jan. 12, respectively. 

The Spartans enter this season after finishing 27-8 overall and 15-5 in the Big Ten last season. The team advanced to the Sweet 16, where its season ended in a loss to UConn. 

Junior guard Jeremy Fears Jr. was named Blue Ribbon College Basketball’s preseason National Player of the Year, making him the first Spartan to earn the honor since Mateen Cleaves in 2000.

MSU will rely heavily on its veteran players, including Fears and senior forward Coen Carr, who will continue in leadership roles as five new Spartans join the roster.

“The team’s going to be led by two guys that have been here for four years and have grown each year in a lot of ways,” Izzo said. “Jeremy’s always had some leadership skills, but now I think he’s done a better job of gathering people, not just leading by example, but leading with his mouth. And I think Coen has really grown in that area. Both guys have improved their basketball ability.”