Michigan State-Michigan Rivalry Renewed with Heated History

Tom Izzo's culture-driven Spartans face Dusty May's portal-powered Wolverines in latest chapter of storied matchup.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:39pm

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The long-standing rivalry between Michigan State and Michigan basketball teams has been renewed, with Tom Izzo's Spartans facing off against Dusty May's Wolverines. The matchup is fueled by history, respect, and an edge between the two programs, dating back to a 1998 game where Michigan State players and their families were mistreated by Michigan fans, igniting Izzo's hatred for the Wolverines.

Why it matters

The Michigan State-Michigan basketball rivalry is one of the most intense in college sports, with the two programs battling for in-state recruiting dominance and conference supremacy. The latest chapter of this storied matchup features contrasting coaching styles and roster-building approaches, adding intrigue to an already heated rivalry.

The details

In the 1998 meeting between the two teams, Michigan State came away with an unexpected 80-75 victory over a Michigan team led by interim head coach Brian Ellerbe and center Robert Traylor. However, the win was marred by reports of Michigan fans mistreating the Spartans' wives, mothers, and other family members, which further fueled Izzo's disdain for the Wolverines. Now, over 25 years later, the rivalry continues with Izzo's culture-driven Spartans facing off against Dusty May's portal-powered Wolverines.

  • The latest chapter of the Michigan State-Michigan rivalry will be played on January 30, 2026.
  • In February 1998, Michigan State defeated Michigan 80-75 in a game that sparked Izzo's hatred for the Wolverines.

The players

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, known for his culture-driven approach to building successful basketball programs.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, who has built his team through the use of the NCAA transfer portal.

Antonio Smith

A junior captain of the 1998 Michigan State team, considered the ring leader who set the cornerstone for the Izzo era.

Mateen Cleaves

A sophomore on the 1998 Michigan State team, who helped the Spartans win their first Big Ten Championship under Izzo.

Brian Ellerbe

The interim head coach of the Michigan Wolverines in 1998, when they were defeated by Michigan State.

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What they’re saying

“Chief, do you remember the first time we beat them?”

— Mike Garland, Former Michigan State assistant coach and college teammate of Tom Izzo

“The thing that really got us all going, and even the kids, is their fans mistreated our wives, and Tone's mom, and all of that.”

— Mike Garland, Former Michigan State assistant coach and college teammate of Tom Izzo

What’s next

The next matchup between Michigan State and Michigan is scheduled for January 30, 2026, where the two teams will continue their heated rivalry on the basketball court.

The takeaway

The Michigan State-Michigan basketball rivalry remains one of the most intense in college sports, with the latest chapter featuring contrasting coaching styles and roster-building approaches. The history of the rivalry, including the 1998 incident where Michigan fans mistreated the Spartans' families, continues to fuel the animosity between the two programs, making their matchups must-watch events for college basketball fans.