Michigan State Hockey Tops Michigan for No. 1 in USCHO Rankings

Spartans defeat Wolverines 5-2 in Detroit, take over top spot in national poll

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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After defeating their biggest rival Michigan 5-2 in Detroit, the Michigan State hockey team has risen to the No. 1 spot in the latest USCHO rankings, jumping ahead of the previously top-ranked Wolverines. The two teams split their weekend series, with Michigan winning 4-3 in overtime on Friday before Michigan State's convincing victory on Saturday.

Why it matters

This matchup between the two in-state rivals is a key conference battle, with Michigan State now taking the top spot in the Big Ten standings despite Michigan having more conference wins. The rankings shift highlights the tight competition at the top of college hockey this season.

The details

Michigan State's 5-2 win over Michigan at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Saturday, Feb. 7 was the deciding factor in the Spartans leapfrogging the Wolverines for the No. 1 ranking. While Michigan has a better overall conference record, Michigan State has taken more points off their rival this season, giving them the edge in the USCHO poll.

  • On Friday, Feb. 6, Michigan defeated Michigan State 4-3 in overtime in Ann Arbor.
  • On Saturday, Feb. 7, Michigan State defeated Michigan 5-2 in the 'Duel in the D' at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
  • The new USCHO rankings were released on Tuesday, Feb. 10, with Michigan State taking over the No. 1 spot from Michigan.

The players

Michigan State Hockey

The Michigan State hockey team, currently ranked No. 1 in the USCHO poll after defeating their in-state rival Michigan.

Michigan Hockey

The Michigan hockey team, previously ranked No. 1 in the USCHO poll before losing to Michigan State.

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What’s next

The two teams will face off again in the Big Ten tournament, with the quarterfinals scheduled for Wednesday, March 11 and the semifinals on Saturday, March 14. The Big Ten championship game will be played on Saturday, March 21.

The takeaway

This rivalry matchup between Michigan State and Michigan highlights the intense competition at the top of college hockey this season, with the two in-state foes battling for conference supremacy and national ranking. Michigan State's ability to take more points off their rival despite Michigan's better conference record demonstrates the Spartans' resilience and ability to rise to the occasion against their biggest challenger.