Michigan State's football program finds itself outside the national spotlight as the 2026 season approaches, having failed to secure a single vote in the recently unveiled Associated Press Top 25 preseason rankings. This exclusion aligns with similar results from the US LBM Coaches Poll released last week, underscoring a consistent theme of subdued expectations for the Spartans this year. With an over/under for total wins hovering at a modest 4.5, and predictions placing them among the lower echelons of the Big Ten Conference, the team faces a challenging road ahead as they prepare for their season opener.
The announcement of the official preseason AP Top 25 poll on Monday brought little surprise for those following Michigan State football. The Spartans' absence from the rankings was widely anticipated, given their previous omission from the US LBM Coaches Poll. This lack of national recognition paints a clear picture of the low expectations surrounding the team as they head into the 2026 season.
A significant portion of the Big Ten conference, however, made a strong showing in the preseason AP poll. Eight teams from the conference were featured, with perennial powerhouses Ohio State and Oregon leading the pack at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Other notable Big Ten teams included Indiana at No. 6, USC at No. 14, Michigan at No. 16, Washington at No. 17, Penn State at No. 18, and Iowa at No. 22. This strong representation from their conference rivals further highlights the Spartans' current position outside the national conversation.
The team's projected win total and conference standing only reinforce the sentiment that Michigan State is not considered a top contender this year. These forecasts suggest a season where the Spartans will need to significantly outperform expectations to make an impact. Their journey begins on September 4, when they are scheduled to face Toledo in their opening game at 8 p.m. ET, marking the official start of their quest to defy the current projections.
As the 2026 college football season looms, Michigan State is poised to begin their campaign without the immediate prestige of a national ranking. Their consistent absence from both major preseason polls indicates a period of rebuilding or a year where they are considered dark horses. The team's performance against Toledo will be the first opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities and potentially shift the narrative surrounding their season.
