The stage is set for another heated Big Ten clash as the No. 25 Michigan Wolverines (5-2) head to East Lansing to battle the Michigan State Spartans (3-4) on Saturday, October 25, at Spartan Stadium.
Sure, the Michigan–Ohio State rivalry steals most of the national spotlight, but anyone in the Great Lakes State knows there’s no love lost when the Wolverines and Spartans collide. This in-state feud is steeped in bad blood, family bragging rights, and decades of memorable showdowns. And if the saying "familiarity breeds contempt" ever needed proof, look no further than this matchup, two proud programs fighting not just for conference standing, but for state supremacy.
History leans heavily toward maize and blue. Michigan holds a commanding 74-38-5 edge in the all-time series and has taken the last three meetings. The Wolverines, fresh off a 24-7 win over the Washington Huskies, also have a recent national title in their back pocket, something they'll never tire of reminding their neighbors about. The Spartans, meanwhile, are looking to shake off a tough 38-13 defeat to the Indiana Hoosiers and spoil Michigan’s momentum with a rivalry upset on home turf.
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Michigan State vs Michigan: Date and kick-off time
The Spartans will take on the Wolverines in a highly anticipated NCAAF game on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 7:30 pm ET or 4:30 pm PT at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.
| Date | Saturday, October 25, 2025 |
| Kick-off Time | 7:30 pm ET or 4:30 pm PT |
| Venue | Spartan Stadium |
| Location | East Lansing, Michigan |
How to watch Michigan State vs Michigan on TV & stream live online
- TV channel: NBC
- Streaming service: Fubo
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Michigan State vs Michigan news & key players
Michigan State Spartans team news
For the Spartans, Aidan Chiles has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise inconsistent campaign. Completing better than 65% of his passes for 1,262 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also rushing for 234 yards and five more scores, he's shown flashes of dual-threat promise. However, protection has been an issue, and the offense has struggled to sustain drives. Michigan State ranks a lowly 108th in total offense and 77th in scoring, managing just 336.7 yards and 27.1 points per game.
In the run game, Makhi Frazier leads the charge with 384 yards, but the ground attack has sputtered more often than not, ranking 107th nationally. Out wide, Omari Kelly and Nick Marsh have been reliable playmakers, combining for over 800 yards and six touchdowns. Still, the offensive line’s inability to keep Chiles upright has forced the Spartans into too many long-yardage situations. That's a dangerous recipe against a Michigan defense that thrives on pressure and rarely gives up big plays.
Defensively, Michigan State has had its share of struggles. The Spartans are surrendering 32.7 points per game, ranking 121st in scoring defense, and their secondary has been particularly leaky—allowing 251.4 yards through the air, good for 111th nationally.
Michigan Wolverines team news
True freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood continues to settle into his role under center, showing the kind of poise that belies his age. He's completed nearly 63% of his passes for 1,440 yards and seven touchdowns while adding another dimension with his legs—202 rushing yards and three more scores on the ground. His growth has been helped immensely by the power and consistency of Justice Haynes, who’s been a workhorse in the backfield. Haynes has already piled up 705 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, averaging a steady 117 yards per outing.
The Wolverines have built their offensive identity on balance and muscle. They sit 22nd nationally in rushing and 45th in total offense, thanks to a bruising offensive line that wears down opponents. Donaven McCulley and Andrew Marsh provide steady hands in the passing game, keeping drives alive and defenses honest.
While Michigan’s air attack isn’t exactly fireworks, it’s efficient and disciplined—Underwood has tossed just two interceptions all year. Add in a 76% red-zone scoring rate, and it’s clear this group knows how to capitalize when it matters. Facing a Michigan State defense that's had a hard time stopping both the run and the pass, Michigan should have every opportunity to dictate tempo and field position on Saturday.
On the other side of the ball, the Wolverines have been rock-solid defensively, arguably one of the steadiest units in the Big Ten. They’re holding opponents to just 17 points a game and rank 24th nationally in total defense. Their run-stopping ability stands out, giving up a stingy 92.7 yards per contest, while a +9 turnover margin (fourth-best in the FBS) shows just how opportunistic they can be. Ranked 20th in red-zone defense and strong on third downs, Michigan’s discipline and ability to create takeaways could be the X-factor in a rivalry that’s always high on emotion.