Michigan State Drops Five Spots in AP Poll After Loss to Wisconsin

The Spartans fell from 10th to 15th in the country following a lopsided defeat against the Badgers.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Michigan State's men's basketball team dropped five spots in the latest AP Poll, falling from 10th to 15th in the country after a 92-71 loss to Wisconsin. The Badgers, who were unranked at the time, hit 15 three-pointers to hand the Spartans their most lopsided defeat in nearly four years.

Why it matters

Michigan State had been ranked in the top 10 for eight of the last 10 weeks, so the five-spot drop represents a significant slide in the national rankings. The loss also raises questions about the Spartans' recent struggles and their ability to bounce back as they enter a crucial stretch of their schedule.

The details

In the loss to Wisconsin, the Spartans were essentially "shot out of the gym" as the Badgers connected on 15 three-pointers. This marked Michigan State's most lopsided defeat since February 2022. The Spartans had been ranked 22nd in the preseason and climbed as high as 10th in the country before the loss to Wisconsin.

  • Michigan State lost to Wisconsin on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • The new AP Poll was released on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team.

Xavier Booker

A former five-star recruit who transferred from Michigan State to UCLA this past offseason. He is now averaging 7.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game as a starter for the Bruins.

Bruce Thornton

A senior guard for the Ohio State Buckeyes who has been an All-Big Ten player twice and is averaging 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists this season.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.