Michigan State Returns to Big Ten, Faces Nebraska in New Year Opener

No. 9 Michigan State begins the 2026 New Year with an important Big Ten clash against No. 13 Nebraska. The matchup takes place on January 2, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on Peacock. Game Overview Michigan State (MSU), sporting a 12-1 overall record and 2-0 in the Big Ten, enters …

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Michigan State Returns to Big Ten, Faces Nebraska in New Year Opener

No. 9 Michigan State begins the 2026 New Year with an important Big Ten clash against No. 13 Nebraska. The matchup takes place on January 2, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on Peacock.

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Game Overview

Michigan State (MSU), sporting a 12-1 overall record and 2-0 in the Big Ten, enters this game following a 114-97 victory over Cornell. In that game, Jeremy Fears Jr. achieved a career-high of 21 points while also recording 11 assists.

Viewing Information

  • Live broadcast on Peacock with Noah Reed and Nick Bahe.
  • Radio coverage available on the Spartan Media Network.
  • Listen on SiriusXM channels 121 or 195, or through the SiriusXM app.

About Michigan State

The Spartans are currently ranked No. 9 in both the Associated Press Top 25 and ESPN Coaches poll. They hold the 14th position in the NCAA Net Rankings and 15th per KenPom metrics.

Player Highlights

  • Kohler leads the team with 13.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.
  • Jeremy Fears Jr. boasts an average of 11.5 points and ranks second nationally with 9.3 assists per game.
  • Coen Carr is contributing 12.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.
  • Carson Cooper recently recorded a career-high 16 rebounds against Duke.

Team Statistics

Stat Category Ranking
Assists per Game No. 9 (20.2 apg)
Rebound Margin No. 5 (+13.7)
Scoring Defense No. 32 (65.9 ppg)

Facing Nebraska

Nebraska, currently undefeated at 13-0 and ranked 13th nationally, will also be looking to maintain their momentum. The Huskers recently triumphed over New Hampshire with a score of 86-55.

Notable Players for Nebraska

  • Rienk Mast leads the team in scoring (16.5 ppg) and rebounding (6.8 rpg) after returning from injury.
  • Pryce Sandfort has averaged 17.0 points over the last five games.

Historical Matchup

Michigan State holds a significant edge in the all-time series against Nebraska, leading 24-10. The Spartans have won 15 of the 19 games contested as Big Ten opponents and 12 of the last 13 encounters overall.

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As both teams gear up for this thrilling matchup, fans can expect a competitive game that kicks off the New Year in style. Stay tuned for an exciting broadcast and an intense showdown on the court.

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Investigative news reporter specialising in local government, public policy, and social issues. Two-time Regional Press Award winner.