Michigan State Football Eyed as 2026 College Football Playoff Contender

As the 2026 college football season creeps closer, there’s a buzz around Michigan State football. Could they really pull off a surprise leap into the College Football Playoff?

On a recent episode of the Big Ten Huddle podcast, the hosts tossed around ideas about which Big Ten teams might make the playoff after missing out in 2025. Zack Guggenheim singled out Michigan State as a sleeper pick, pointing to a lighter schedule and better coaching. Let’s dig into what they discussed and just how realistic this dream might be for the Spartans.

Michigan State’s Potential for a Turnaround

It’s been a tough run for Michigan State. Four losing seasons in a row, no bowl games since 2021—pretty rough.

But with the arrival of coach Pat Fitzgerald, hope’s back on the table for 2026. Guggenheim thinks the Spartans could flip the script in a big way, maybe even hit 10-2 and sneak into the playoff picture.

The Importance of the Schedule

Guggenheim’s optimism leans heavily on the schedule. He says a softer slate might matter more than raw talent right now.

According to him, Michigan State only faces one of the Big Ten’s usual playoff contenders—Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana—next season. That opens a door most teams don’t get.

Still, it’s not a cakewalk. Jon “JR” Rhoades, another host, flagged November as a minefield. The Spartans have to get through Michigan, Washington, and Oregon in a brutal stretch.

To have a shot, they’ll need to grab every toss-up game and somehow survive that November gauntlet. Not exactly an easy ask.

Coaching and Player Development

The coaching staff is another wild card. Pat Fitzgerald’s got a reputation for turning things around and squeezing the best out of his players.

Guggenheim stressed that believing in the staff is half the battle. If Fitzgerald can get the culture right, maybe the wins follow.

Active in the Transfer Portal

Michigan State hasn’t been shy in the transfer portal, either. They’ve brought in fresh faces, hoping to patch holes and add some spark.

With a mix of new talent and returning players, the Spartans could end up surprising people. It’s a big “if,” but you never know.

The Road Ahead

Guggenheim admits the playoff is a long shot. Michigan State needs to play nearly perfect football and maybe get a little lucky.

Rhoades is more skeptical. That tough November and the pressure to win every close game loom large.

Key Games to Watch

Some games could make or break their playoff hopes:

• Ohio State: Beating the Buckeyes would turn a lot of heads and change the narrative fast.
• Michigan: The rivalry game always matters, but this year, it could be everything.
• Washington and Oregon: These two back-to-back in November might decide it all. No pressure, right?

Conclusion

The Big Ten Huddle podcast has already stirred up a bit of excitement for Michigan State fans. Honestly, who can blame them?

The team’s got a friendlier schedule, some coaching upgrades, and a handful of fresh faces from the transfer portal. That’s a recipe for optimism, even if it’s just a glimmer right now.

Of course, November’s going to be a gauntlet. If the Spartans want to keep any playoff dreams alive, they’ll have to win those coin-flip games when it matters most.

If you want the full scoop and a deeper dive into the podcast talk, check out the article on Spartans Wire. There’s plenty more to chew on over there.