​How demanding is Michigan State football’s schedule for the coming season? A fresh ranking indicates it could be among the tougher slates in the nation. ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) released updated predictions and ratings for the upcoming year, highlighting strength of schedule as a notable takeaway. According to a social post from college football analyst Cole Cubelic, Michigan State is projected to have the 28th-most difficult schedule nationally this season.
Among Big Ten programs, the Spartans’ schedule sits near the middle of the pack in terms of difficulty. The FPI places Michigan State at No. 9 in terms of the toughest schedule within the conference. When you examine the Spartans’ slate, there are some favorable breaks within Big Ten play that help explain why the schedule isn’t ranked higher overall. Notably, Michigan State will not face Ohio State, Indiana, USC, or Penn State this season—four programs that are widely regarded as among the league’s elite. Those favorable omissions temper the overall strength of the conference schedule for the Spartans.
However, the non-conference portion of the schedule presents its own challenges. The season-opening trip to Notre Dame stands out as a difficult clash, and the series of marquee non-conference matchups continues with a showdown against in-state rival Michigan, as well as games against Oregon and Washington. These high-profile opponents against strong competition elevate the difficulty level of Michigan State’s overall slate and contribute to the perception of a demanding season.
As with most preseason strength-of-schedule rankings, FPI figures should be interpreted with caution. They are calculated projections based on computer models and historical data, and the exact outcomes depend on many variables, including player development, injuries, and in-season performance. Still, it’s interesting to see how this computer system rates the Spartans’ upcoming schedule and what that implies for their season’s potential challenges. If nothing else, the data reinforces a perception of another year filled with tough games and high-caliber opponents for Michigan State.
For ongoing coverage of Michigan State football, you can follow The Spartans Wire for updates, notes, and opinion. Reach out and connect on X (formerly Twitter) at @TheSpartansWire, and like the page on Facebook to stay informed about the latest Spartans news. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X at @RobertBondy5 for his insights and reporting. This recap and analysis originally appeared on Spartans Wire, under the title Spartans rank near top of country in schedule difficulty by ESPN FPI, discussing the season’s potential grind in length and scope.