There’s certainly an elite crew of Big Ten teams dominating the conference’s headlines this season and this weekend gives us another notable matchup between them. It’s a Top 10 showdown in East Lansing as Illinois heads to Michigan State looking to make another major statement in a game both teams desperately need in this title race.
We’re running out of words to describe Illinois (20-3) and this insane run that the Fighting Illini have been on this season. Not only has Brad Underwood’s squad won 12 games in a row, they’ve knocked off Top 5 teams on the road each of the last two weekends with impressive wins at Purdue and Nebraska. This offense is one of the best we’ve ever seen and are fresh off a 40-point smothering of in-state rival Northwestern this week.
The momentum is very different for Michigan State (19-4), as the Spartans suddenly seem desperate to make a statement of their own. Before last week, their only losses had been to Duke and Nebraska, but a double-digit loss at home to rival Michigan was followed by a completely disappointing showing against Minnesota. The Spartans cannot be throwing away games like that and certainly hope to avoid a 3-game losing streak.
Illinois vs. Michigan State: When and Where
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 8:00 pm ET
Location: Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan
Illinois vs. Michigan State: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: FOX
Streaming: FuboTV
Illinois vs. Michigan State: Betting Odds
Spread: Michigan State Spartans -1.5, Illinois Fighting Illini +1.5
Moneyline: Michigan State Spartans-112, Illinois Fighting Illini -104
Total: 143.
Illinois vs. Michigan State: Series History
All-time series: Michigan State leads 67-64
Last meeting: Michigan State 79, Illinois 65 (February 15, 2025)
Projected Starting Lineups
Illinois Fighting Illini
Keaton Wagler (17.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.3 apg)
Andrej Stojakovic (13.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg)
David Mirkovic (12.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg)
Tomislav Ivisic (9.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg)
Jake Davis (5.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg)
Michigan State Spartans
Jeremy Fears Jr. (14.7 ppg, 8.9 apg)
Jaxon Kohler (12.9 ppg, 9.1 rpg)
Coen Carr (11.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg)
Carson Cooper (10.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg)
Jordan Scott (5.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg)
This is not a case of Illinois catching people at the right time, as they themselves are missing a starter in Kylan Boswell. Instead we’ve seen Wagler emerge onto the national scene with this entire offense has hit its rhythm in a major way. The Spartans are certainly more known for their defense and will have a significant challenge slowing down the hot-shooting Illini. The home court advantage certainly helps Michigan State but you have to wonder if this team has the offense to keep up if Illinois gets rolling once again. They’ll really need a smart and productive game out of Fears and to relocate their shooting rhythm themselves.
Does Illinois somehow get yet another Top 10 road win and cement themselves even further in Big Ten play? Do we see that much needed bounce back performance out of Michigan State and a much stronger showing from their defense?