Michigan State's Izzo Announces Thanksgiving Game Against Arkansas

The Spartans will face the Razorbacks at Little Caesars Arena after the Detroit Lions' game on Thanksgiving Day.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:06pm

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Michigan State University men's basketball head coach Tom Izzo announced that the Spartans will play Arkansas at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thanksgiving Day for the 2026-27 season. The game will take place after the Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving game, making it a sports-filled holiday for the Motor City.

Why it matters

Izzo's announcement about next season's schedule comes shortly after Michigan State's loss to UConn in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Despite the disappointing end to this season, Izzo is already looking ahead and planning for the future of the Spartans' program.

The details

During an appearance on a local radio show, Izzo revealed that Michigan State will host Arkansas at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thanksgiving Day 2026. This will be the second part of a home-and-home series between the two schools, as MSU hosted Arkansas earlier this past season.

  • On Tuesday, March 31, Izzo made the announcement about the 2026-27 Thanksgiving game.
  • Michigan State lost to UConn in the Sweet 16 on Friday, March 27.

The players

Tom Izzo

The head men's basketball coach at Michigan State University, who has led the Spartans to eight Final Four appearances and one national championship.

Dan Hurley

The head men's basketball coach of the UConn Huskies, who defeated Izzo's Spartans in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Arkansas Razorbacks

The men's basketball team from the University of Arkansas, who will face Michigan State on Thanksgiving Day 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

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What they’re saying

“It took a lot out of them to climb back into it, but I don't think you could have more respect for a program and a coach than we have for the Spartans and Tom Izzo.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Huskies Head Coach

“The minute I don't feel good, the minute I don't feel like I'm giving my AD or president or school every ounce of energy I have every day or that energy drops, you don't have to worry about it. I don't steal money. I won't steal anybody's time.”

— Tom Izzo, Michigan State Spartans Head Coach

What’s next

The Michigan State Spartans will face the Arkansas Razorbacks at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thanksgiving Day 2026, following the Detroit Lions' game that day.

The takeaway

Despite the disappointment of an early NCAA Tournament exit, Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans are already looking ahead to next season and beyond, scheduling an intriguing non-conference matchup against the Arkansas Razorbacks on a high-profile Thanksgiving Day in Detroit.