Michigan State Football Spring Game Kicks Off New Era

Fans get first look at Pat Fitzgerald's Spartans in annual exhibition match

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:46pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of green and white, depicting the motion and intensity of a college football game in an abstract, deconstructed style.A cubist interpretation of the energy and action of a Michigan State football game, capturing the team's renewed spirit under new coach Pat Fitzgerald.East Lansing Today

Michigan State University football fans will get their first glimpse of the program's new era as the Spartans hold their annual spring game on Saturday. New head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who was hired in December 2025, will showcase his team's progress and provide clues about the direction of the program under his leadership.

Why it matters

After a disappointing 2025 season that led to the departure of the previous coaching staff, MSU fans are eager to see how Fitzgerald will put his stamp on the team. The spring game is an important early benchmark as the Spartans look to regain their status as a Big Ten contender and renew their rivalry with Michigan.

The details

The Spartans' spring game will feature a traditional offense vs. defense format, with the Green and White squads competing against each other. Fitzgerald has emphasized installing a new, up-tempo offensive system and shoring up the defense during spring practices. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team's young talent, including several highly touted recruits, performs in a game setting.

  • The Michigan State spring game will kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • Fitzgerald was hired as MSU's new head coach on December 2, 2025, after the previous coach was fired following a 5-7 season.

The players

Pat Fitzgerald

The new head football coach at Michigan State University, hired in December 2025 after the previous coach was fired. Fitzgerald comes to MSU after a successful tenure as the head coach at Northwestern University.

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What they’re saying

“We know the importance of this rivalry and we're going to do everything we can to make sure the Spartan faithful are proud of this team.”

— Pat Fitzgerald, Head Coach

What’s next

Following the spring game, Fitzgerald and his staff will continue to evaluate the roster and make decisions on depth charts and starting positions ahead of the 2026 season opener.

The takeaway

Michigan State's spring game represents the first step in a new era for the football program under coach Pat Fitzgerald. Fans will be watching closely to see the team's progress and how Fitzgerald plans to restore the Spartans as a Big Ten power and renew their rivalry with Michigan.