Toledo 0. Alessio Milivojevic throws a nice ball to Rodney Bullard who drops it in the end zone. The Spartans settle for a field goal, which is drilled

Columnist Graham Couch gives his initial thoughts on the Spartans' performance in a 30-20 win against Toledo on Friday night with three quick takes.

Here are five things to watch in the game and a final score prediction: Nine months after being hired and nearly four years since he was on a college sideline, Fitzgerald will usher in a new era of Michigan State football. The Spartans are banking on his tenure being more successful than his two predecessors.

Michigan State football begins coach Pat Fitzgerald era in Week 1 hosting Toledo at Spartan Stadium. Here are score predictions of who wins and why.

Michigan State officially kicks off the 2026 season on Friday, with the Spartans set to host Toledo out of the Mid-American Conference. The Spartans and Rockets both come into this game with new coaching staffs and plenty of roster turnover, making for what could be a very intriguing matchup on Friday night.

Final: Michigan State 30, Toledo 20 The Spartans get tested in their first game of the 2026 season under Pat Fitzgerald, but they come away with the win thanks to a solid finish. Cam Edwards rushes for 98 yards and a touchdown in his MSU debut while Alessio Milivojevic completes 76% of his passes for 247 yards and one touchdown.

Watch highlights from the Spartans' season-opening victory against Toledo on Friday