Preview: Michigan State opens Big Ten play with a massive opportunity at home versus Nebraska

Michigan State enters its 2026 Big Ten opener with plenty still to prove. The Spartans opened the Pat Fitzgerald era with back-to-back victories over Toledo and Eastern Michigan, respectively, before suffering their first loss of the season last weekend at No. 3 Notre Dame. While the 27-10 final score was disappointing, Michigan State showed flashes of competitiveness against one of the nation's best teams in the nation and trailed by just seven points at halftime before the Fighting Irish pulled away in the second half.

Now, the Spartans return home looking to begin conference play on a positive note. Nebraska arrives in East Lansing undefeated (3-0) and carrying some of the most impressive offensive numbers in the Big Ten through the first three weeks of the season.

With both teams entering their conference opener for the 2026 campaign, Saturday's matchup should provide an early indication of where each program stands within the league hierarchy. For Michigan State, it is another opportunity to demonstrate growth under Fitzgerald and bounce back after its first setback of the season.

Game Info

Time: Saturday, Sept. 26, 5:01 p.m. ET
TV Channel: Big Ten Network
Radio: Spartan Media Network
Location: Spartan Stadium (East Lansing, Michigan)
Weather: Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-60s at kickoff with no rain currently in the forecast

Nebraska Notables

The Cornhuskers enter East Lansing with a perfect 3-0 record after handling Ohio, Bowling Green and North Dakota during non-conference play. While Nebraska has yet to face a Power Four opponent, it has been dominant throughout September, winning its three games by an average of more than 36 points. Matt Rhule's team appears to be taking a significant step forward in his fourth season as head coach in Lincoln and enters conference play with considerable momentum.

The Huskers are led by senior quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who has been one of the most productive signal-callers in the conference through three games. Colandrea has completed 53-of-77 passes for 692 yards, eight touchdowns and just one interception, while also contributing as a runner. He was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week earlier this month and currently ranks among the Big Ten leaders in passing. His ability to create explosive plays both through the air and on the ground makes him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks Michigan State has faced this season.

The rushing attack has been equally impressive. Freshman running back Jamal Rule — who was previously a Michigan State recruiting target under the Jonathan Smith staff — has emerged as one of the breakout players in the Big Ten, rushing for 329 yards and five touchdowns, while averaging 8.7 yards per carry. Rule has surpassed the 100-yard mark in consecutive games and currently ranks among the national leaders in rushing yards per game (109.7).

Nebraska's ability to pair an explosive running game with efficient quarterback play has helped the Huskers average 46.3 points and more than 520 total yards per contest.

At wide receiver, junior Jacory Barney Jr. has emerged as Colandrea's top target. Barney has recorded 15 receptions for 210 yards and two touchdowns, and provides another explosive element to an offense that has consistently generated chunk plays. The Huskers have also been nearly flawless in the red zone, converting all 12 of their trips into points this season.

Defensively, Nebraska has also been impressive. The Huskers rank among the top defenses in both the Big Ten and the nation, allowing only 11.7 points and 225.7 total yards per game. Their secondary has been particularly dominant, surrendering just 118 passing yards per contest, while the front seven has allowed only one rushing touchdown all season. Over three games, Nebraska has looked like one of the conference's most balanced teams and will arrive in East Lansing with confidence.

However, this will be Nebraska’s first game against a Power Four opponent and its first contest on the road. The Cornhuskers have so far played two MAC opponents and an FCS opponent. Will Nebraska’s early season success translate to Big Ten play? That remains to be seen. 

The Cornhuskers also hold a 10-4 advantage in the all-time series against Michigan State and defeated MSU 38-27 in Lincoln last season. However, the Spartans have won the last two meetings played in East Lansing, giving them reason to believe they can once again defend home turf against Nebraska.

Michigan State Notables

The Spartans enter Saturday with a 2-1 record after suffering their first loss of the season at No. 3 Notre Dame. Despite the defeat, there were positives to take away from the performance. Michigan State held an Irish offense that entered the game averaging 46.5 points per contest to just 27 points and remained within striking distance for much of the evening. The defense once again demonstrated the toughness and discipline that have become early trademarks of Fitzgerald's team.

Still, Fitzgerald was adamant that the team did not play up to its standard, and he expected to win in South Bend.

The offense continues to be led by graduate transfer running back Cam Edwards. Through three games, Edwards has rushed for 288 yards and three touchdowns, while averaging 96 yards per contest. His breakout performance against Eastern Michigan remains the highlight of the season thus far, and Michigan State will likely need another strong effort from its lead back to keep Nebraska's offense off the field.

Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic has shown flashes throughout the first month of the season. The redshirt sophomore has thrown for 540 yards and three touchdowns, while completing 66% of his passes. After struggling against Notre Dame's defense and throwing two interceptions, Milivojevic will be looking for a bounce-back performance against another talented defensive unit.

Defensively, senior linebacker Jordan Hall remains the heart of the unit. After missing the Eastern Michigan game due to injury, Hall returned against Notre Dame and immediately led the team with 13 tackles. He enters Saturday as one of the conference's most respected defenders and will be tasked with helping contain Nebraska's explosive rushing attack. Alongside Hall, Illinois transfer defensive tackle Eli Coenen has made an immediate impact, recording three sacks through the first three games and tying for the Big Ten lead in that category.

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Brady Pretzlaff, a starter, has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Nebraska, along with five others. Pretzlaff left the game against Notre Dame in the second quarter and did return.

Perhaps the biggest question entering conference play is how Michigan State responds to adversity. The Spartans handled their first two opponents effectively, but Saturday will provide another opportunity to show that the progress made under Fitzgerald can translate against quality Big Ten competition.

Overview

This game feels like an important early-season crossroads for both programs. Nebraska enters conference play undefeated and looking every bit like a contender in the upper half of the Big Ten. The Huskers have been dominant offensively, efficient defensively, and have avoided many of the mistakes that often plague teams early in the season. Their balance on offense and physicality on defense make them one of the more complete teams Michigan State will face this year. However, Nebraska's competition level thus far makes it difficult to judge just how good this team is in 2026.

For Michigan State, the formula for success remains largely unchanged. The Spartans need to establish Edwards in the running game, limit turnovers and keep Nebraska's explosive offense from finding a rhythm. Time of possession could be particularly important, as long sustained drives would help keep Colandrea and Rule on the sideline, while also reducing pressure on MSU's offense.

The atmosphere in Spartan Stadium should provide a boost for the home team, and recent history suggests Michigan State has been comfortable playing Nebraska in East Lansing. However, this appears to be one of the strongest Nebraska teams of the Matt Rhule era and arguably the most complete opponent Michigan State has faced outside of Notre Dame.

Ultimately, Saturday should provide another valuable benchmark for the Spartans. If Michigan State can compete for four quarters against an undefeated Nebraska team, it will offer further evidence that Fitzgerald's rebuilding effort is moving in the right direction. The Huskers enter as the more talented team on paper, but conference games often come down to execution, physicality and limiting mistakes. Expect a competitive contest that gives MSU another opportunity to show how much progress it has made during the first month of the season.