Michigan State to Host Colgate in 2025-26 Season Opener Monday Night

Michigan State University’s men’s basketball team will begin its 2025-26 season by hosting Colgate University. The game is scheduled for Monday, November 3, at 7 p.m. in the Breslin Center.

Preseason Rankings and Broadcasting Information

The Spartans are entering the new season ranked No. 22 in the Associated Press preseason poll and No. 21 in the USA Today Coaches poll. Fans can stream the game live on B1G+, with Jack Stager providing play-by-play commentary, supported by color analyst Joe Dez and sideline reporter Oliviah Klinski. Additionally, the Spartan Media Network will offer a radio broadcast across the state, featuring Will Tieman as the play-by-play announcer, with Matt Steigenga as the color analyst and Zach Surdenik as the studio host.

Team Overview and Recent Performance

Last year, Michigan State concluded the 2024-25 season with an impressive overall record of 30-7 and claimed the Big Ten Conference title with a 17-3 mark. This achievement marked the 11th time the Spartans secured the Big Ten regular-season title under Head Coach Tom Izzo, who is entering his 31st season at the helm. Furthermore, the Spartans reached the NCAA Tournament for the 27th consecutive year and advanced to the Elite Eight, ultimately finishing the season ranked No. 7 in the Associated Press Top 25.

Key Player Departures and Returning Talent

The Spartans are poised to replace three starters and four letterwinners, who collectively contributed to 63.5% of last season’s scoring, 41.8% of rebounds, and 52.3% of assists. Notable departures include guards Jaden Akins and Jase Richardson, both recognized on the All-Big Ten teams.

Despite these losses, Michigan State retains significant talent. Senior forward Jaxon Kohler and redshirt sophomore point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. are expected to lead the team this year. Kohler averaged 7.8 points and ranked among the Big Ten’s top ten in rebounding with 7.5 boards per game. Fears averaged 7.2 points and ranked third in the Big Ten in assists with 5.4 per game, boasting a national rank of eighth in assist rate.

• Jaxon Kohler: 7.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg
• Jeremy Fears Jr.: 7.2 ppg, 5.4 apg
• Coen Carr: 8.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg
• Carson Cooper: 5.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg

Exhibition Games Summary

Prior to the season opener, Michigan State competed in two exhibition games. They defeated Bowling Green 75-66 at home, with Coen Carr leading the team with 17 points. In their second exhibition, they faced off against No. 4 ranked UConn, but fell short, losing 76-69. In this game, Jeremy Fears Jr. was the standout scorer with 14 points.

About Colgate University

Colgate University concluded the previous season with a record of 14-19 and ranked third in the Patriot League standings. Coached by Matt Langel, the Raiders have a strong history with six Patriot League titles and five NCAA Tournament appearances. This season, they are led by junior guard Jalen Cox, who averaged 11.9 points last year and earned a spot on the All-Patriot League Third Team.

Series History

Monday’s matchup represents the seventh all-time meeting between Michigan State and Colgate. The Spartans lead the series with five consecutive victories. Their last encounter was on January 17, 1993, where Michigan State secured a 40-26 win.

This matchup promises excitement as the Spartans aim to kick off their season with a strong performance against Colgate.