Photo: Nick King ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING ~ Michigan State football’s future nonconference slate is beginning to take shape, reflecting an emphasis on variety, tradition and national reach. The Spartans announced home-and-home series with Big 12 programs Oklahoma State and Cincinnati, giving fans a mix of new matchups and long-dormant series. Along with a 2027 home game against Duquesne, the schedule shows MSU balancing Power Four competition with opportunities to build early-season momentum.
The highlight is a first-ever meeting between Michigan State and Oklahoma State. The Spartans will travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma, on Sept. 16, 2028, before welcoming the Cowboys to East Lansing on Sept. 15, 2029. Oklahoma State’s recent consistency provides a measuring stick for MSU against another physical, offense-oriented program. With no prior meetings between the schools, the series offers a fresh storyline and a chance for Michigan State to establish a new nonconference connection.
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(CONTINUED) Michigan State’s upcoming series with Cincinnati carries historical significance, even though the programs have not met in nearly 80 years. The Spartans will play at Cincinnati on Sept. 14, 2030, before hosting the Bearcats on Sept. 13, 2031. The teams split their two previous meetings, with MSU winning 32-0 in 1930 and Cincinnati earning an 18-7 victory in 1946. Both of those games were played in East Lansing, making the 2030 contest the first road matchup in the series.
MSU also added a 2027 home game against Duquesne, marking the first meeting between the Spartans and the Dukes. Combined with scheduled games against regional opponents Central Michigan and Western Michigan, as well as national brands Notre Dame and BYU, Michigan State’s future schedules balance fan interest with competitive planning. The lineup provides a blend of tradition, exploration and meaningful nonconference tests ahead of Big Ten play.
