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 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.
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.
