NCAAF Week 1: Michigan State vs. Toledo — How to Watch

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The wait is finally over.

Michigan State football is set to open the 2026 season Friday night against the Toledo Rockets, officially beginning the Pat Fitzgerald era in East Lansing.

Michigan State vs. Toledo: Game Information

WHO: Michigan State Spartans (0-0, 0-0) vs. Toledo Rockets (0-0, 0-0)

WHAT: Game No. 1

WHERE: Spartan Stadium — East Lansing, Michigan

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 4 at 8 p.m. ET

WATCH: Fox Sports 1

Friday marks the beginning of a new chapter for Michigan State football.

Fitzgerald arrives in East Lansing with decades of coaching experience and a chip on his shoulder, bringing an energy that has been evident throughout the offseason. Now, he has the opportunity to begin turning around a Michigan State program that is looking to return to the level it reached nearly a decade ago.

The Spartans will be led at quarterback by redshirt sophomore Alessio Milivojevic.

"Les," as he is referred to by his teammates and staff, showed plenty of promise during his four starts last season. He kept Michigan State within striking distance in all four games, held a fourth-quarter lead in three of them and ultimately led the Spartans to their only conference victory of the season against Maryland to close out the year.

Milivojevic's ability under pressure could be one of the biggest storylines to watch this season. He posted the No. 2 PFF grade among projected starting quarterbacks in the Big Ten when under pressure, providing plenty of reason for optimism surrounding what he can become in Fitzgerald's offense.

Michigan State's Transfer Additions

The Spartans completely revamped their roster through the transfer portal, with a program-record number of players coming in and going out during the offseason.

Several of the incoming transfers could have an immediate impact.

Running back Cam Edwards is one of the biggest names to watch. Edwards has been placed on the Doak Walker Award watch list and enters the season with expectations of being one of the nation's top running backs.

Along the offensive line, senior transfers Ben Murawski and Trent Fraley will be tasked with helping Michigan State establish itself in the trenches. Their experience could prove especially important as the Spartans look to build a more physical identity on offense.

Michigan State also added significant talent on the defensive side of the football.

Kenny Soares Jr. reunites with Fitzgerald after originally being recruited by him at Northwestern. Now, the two are back together in East Lansing, where Soares has already earned the respect of his teammates by being voted Mr. Spartan and named a captain.

The Spartans also welcomed back a familiar face in cornerback Charles Brantley. After leaving Michigan State a year ago, Brantley has returned for his final season and will be joined in the secondary by fellow transfer Tre Bell.

Returning Leaders Set the Tone

While the transfer portal has brought plenty of new faces to East Lansing, Michigan State will also rely heavily on returning players.

Jordan Hall and Nikai Martinez are two of the biggest leaders on the defensive side of the football.

Hall is entering the season with expectations of becoming one of the best linebackers in the country, while Martinez will look to bounce back after an injury-plagued season.

Both players have established themselves as vocal leaders and glue guys for the Spartans, providing the type of leadership that can be especially valuable for a team undergoing significant change.

A New Coaching Staff

Of course, the biggest change in East Lansing is at the top.

Fitzgerald has assembled a new coaching staff that includes former Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, former Arizona Cardinals defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere and former Iowa special teams coach LeVar Woods.

The additions demonstrate how important Fitzgerald believes preparation, development and scheme will be as Michigan State attempts to change its fortunes.

Winning football games isn't just about what happens between the lines. It starts during the week with preparation, game planning and putting players in positions to succeed.

That will be one of the biggest things to watch as the Fitzgerald era officially begins.

Michigan State vs. Toledo Prediction

After months of offseason workouts, roster changes and preparation, Michigan State football is finally ready to take the field.

The rain that has moved through Michigan has given way to a warm September night, creating what should be an ideal atmosphere for the first game of a new era at Spartan Stadium.

I have the Spartans winning this game, and I have a few bold takes to go along with that prediction.

But Toledo is no joke.

The Rockets will bring everything they have into East Lansing, and Michigan State will have to be ready to adapt throughout the game. The Spartans have more than enough talent to win, but they cannot afford to overlook a Toledo team that will be eager to spoil Fitzgerald's debut.

For the first time in a long time, Michigan State enters a season with a new head coach, a revamped roster and a completely different feel surrounding the program.

Now, it's time to see what that looks like when the lights come on.

The Pat Fitzgerald era begins Friday night.

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