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Sports | 1117

FOOTBALL

Fitzgerald secures homegrown talent and depth in his first MSU class

Tyler Gaylord
February 9, 2026

One word to describe Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald's first recruiting cycle would be a “whirlwind,” assembling a 30-player class built around in-state talent and transfer portal experience. Highlighted by the retention of Michigan’s top wide receiver Samson Gash and key veteran additions in the trenches, the Spartans’ 2026 class reflects Fitzgerald’s vision of rebuilding MSU through high school development, competitive depth and culture.

ICE HOCKEY

MSU hockey shuts down Michigan, climbs to top of Big Ten and nation

Audrey Dayton
February 7, 2026

After dropping the series opener 4-3 in overtime, No. 2 Michigan State hockey faced No. 1 Michigan at Little Caesar’s Arena for their annual Duel in the D contest. The Spartans took an early lead that they built upon throughout the night. Despite giving up a couple goals, MSU's defense earned it a 5-2 victory. With the win, the Spartans take first place in the Big Ten standings, leading Michigan by just one point. The rivalry win was necessary for the Spartans to have a shot at regular-season conference champs. 

SPORTS

Spartan athletics continue to grind across the board

The State News Sports Desk
February 5, 2026

Michigan State endured a turbulent week across multiple sports, highlighted by back-to-back men’s basketball losses, statement rivalry wins in hockey and gymnastics, and continued consistency from several programs. While the Spartans struggled to close games on the hardwood, MSU hockey swept Penn State, women’s gymnastics secured a historic top-15 rivalry victory, and wrestling snapped its Big Ten skid at home. With top-10 matchups, rivalry clashes and multiple seasons just getting underway, Michigan State now looks ahead to a pivotal stretch across the athletic department.

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey set for rivalry matchup at No. 1 Michigan

Audrey Dayton
February 5, 2026

No. 2 Michigan State hockey will face off against No. 1 Michigan this weekend, opening the two-game series at Yost Ice Arena before concluding it at Little Caesar’s Arena for their annual Duel in the D contest. The series will impact who wins the Big Ten regular-season title. Getting to the inside offensively will be key to the Spartans' success.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MSU prepares for top-25 clash against struggling Maryland squad

Tyler Gaylord
February 4, 2026

Michigan State women’s basketball faces another critical test in February as the Spartans welcome No. 22 Maryland to the Breslin Center. With four ranked matchups this month, MSU continues a stretch that could define its standing in the Big Ten race. Maryland enters on a four-game losing streak but remains dangerous behind breakout guard Oluchi Okananwa and sharpshooter Yarden Garzon. The matchup also carries personal significance for senior guard Jalyn Brown, a Baltimore native, as the Spartans look to bounce back from a narrow overtime loss to Michigan.