Michigan Basketball's Nimari Burnett embraces rivalry with Michigan State

No. 3 Michigan Wolverines guard says beating No. 7 Spartans is 'number one' priority this season

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

No. 3-ranked Michigan Wolverines senior guard Nimari Burnett discussed the significance of the upcoming rivalry game against No. 7 Michigan State Spartans, calling it the 'number one' rivalry in intensity even compared to other great rivalries he has experienced. Burnett, who is 0-4 against MSU, said he is 'looking to change that' and is 'super excited' for the matchup.

Why it matters

The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry is one of the fiercest in college basketball, with both teams currently ranked in the top 10 nationally and battling for the top seed in the Big Ten. Burnett's personal desire to finally beat the Spartans after four straight losses adds extra motivation and drama to the high-stakes matchup.

The details

Burnett opened up about his 0-4 record against Michigan State, saying it's 'been No. 1 on my list going into the season' and that he's 'not shy about it.' He explained that the rivalry atmosphere is 'more than a typical rivalry game' with 'more presence in the building and watching on TV.' Burnett emphasized the importance of toughness, mindset, and playing through adversity to win the rivalry game.

  • The Michigan-Michigan State game is scheduled for Friday, January 29, 2026 in East Lansing.

The players

Nimari Burnett

A senior guard for the Michigan Wolverines basketball team who is 0-4 against the Michigan State Spartans and is looking to change that in his final season.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team, who has helped the team stay focused and composed despite the rivalry game against Michigan State.

Trey McKinney

A Michigan Wolverines teammate of Burnett's who has played his best basketball recently and has past success at the Breslin Center, where the rivalry game will be played.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm super excited as I always am. I'm looking to change that on Friday.”

— Nimari Burnett, Michigan Wolverines Guard (clickondetroit.com)

“Competitors should look forward to those types of environments and rivalries. It's something I'm trying to get back, and I've been thinking about it since the last time we lost to them.”

— Nimari Burnett, Michigan Wolverines Guard (clickondetroit.com)

“The important thing is you don't want to overdo it, but at the same time, tell them how important it is to bring that energy, that fire, in a game like this.”

— Nimari Burnett, Michigan Wolverines Guard (clickondetroit.com)

What’s next

The Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans will face off on Friday, January 29, 2026 in East Lansing, with both teams looking to gain an advantage in the Big Ten standings.

The takeaway

This rivalry game between the third-ranked Michigan Wolverines and seventh-ranked Michigan State Spartans is a high-stakes matchup with major conference and national implications. Burnett's personal desire to finally beat the Spartans after four straight losses adds extra drama and motivation to an already intense rivalry.