It is the beginning of conference play for both the Michigan State Spartans and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Following the conclusion of Thanksgiving tournaments, both programs are set for new beginnings in the Big Ten.
Tonight, it’s all about the Spartans, who enter the contest at No. 7 in the recent Associated Press poll. It is the highest the Spartans have been ranked since the 2017-2018 season.
Under the leadership of Coach Tom Izzo, Michigan State holds a 7-0 record following a convincing 74-58 victory over No. 16 North Carolina in the Fort-Myers Classic.
The stars of the show are the lethal duo of Jaxson Kohler and Jeremy Fears Jr. Kohler leads the team in both points and rebounds, averaging 14.6 points and 9.7 rebounds. Meanwhile, Fears, in his sophomore season, has burst onto the scene, averaging 12 points and a team-high 9.7 assists. In the victory over the Tarheels, Fears had his biggest performance of the season, scoring 19 points to go along with 7 assists and 5 rebounds.
Michigan State has charted three quad-one wins thus far, having defeated No. 14 Arkansas and No. 12 Kentucky. Izzo’s team has scored 80+ points in four of its seven outings, holding all opponents to under 70 points. The Spartans have emerged as one of the best teams in the Big-Ten and are destined to continue their dominance against Iowa.
On the other hand, Iowa will face its first real test of the season. Thus far, the Hawkeyes have been very solid defensively and have poured on the offense under new additions. In his first year at the helm, Ben McCollum has brought his luggage with him, and it has paid off as the Hawkeyes have gotten out to a solid start.
Iowa defeated GCU 59-46 to win the Acrisure Classic. Led by Drake transfer Bennett Stirtz, who won the tournament MVP, he has been the focal point of the Hawkeyes’ offense, averaging 18.6 points and 5.4 assists. His contributions on phenomenal shooting splits have led Iowa to its undefeated, 7-0 start.
However, he will surely be tested with the defensive prowess of Michigan State’s backcourt, and other players will need to step up. Between Alvaro Folgueiras, the RMU transfer, or Tavion Banks, another Drake transfer, or someone like Isaia Howard, who had 19 points off the bench in Iowa’s victory over Grand Canyon, Iowa will need a complete effort.
It’s a very new team with basically all new pieces and just two returning players. That said, Iowa has talent, being ranked 25th in the recent Coaches Poll. Still, having to face the Spartans on the road will stand as a very tall task.
Michigan State vs. Iowa: When and Where
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 7:00 pm ET
Location: Breslin Center, East Lansing, Michigan
Michigan State vs. Iowa: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: Peacock
Streaming: YouTube TV
Michigan State vs. Iowa: Betting Odds
Spread: Michigan State Spartans -6.5, Iowa Hawkeyes +6.5
Moneyline: Michigan State Spartans -270, Iowa Hawkeyes +220
Total: 135.5
Michigan State vs. Iowa: Series History
All time series: Michigan State leads 30-14
Last meeting: Michigan State 91, Iowa 84 (March 6, 2025)
Projected Starting Lineups
Michigan State Spartans
Jaxson Kohler (14.6 ppg, 9.7 rpg)
Coen Carr (10.7 ppg)
Cooper Carson (10.6 ppg)
Jeremy Fears Jr. (12.0 ppg, 9.7 apg)
Trey Fort (6.6 ppg)
Iowa Hawkeyes
Bennett Stirtz (18.6 ppg, 5.4 apg)
Kael Combs (6.0 ppg)
Tavion Banks (9.3 ppg)
Alvaro Folgueiras (10.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg)
With two undefeated teams, this will be an interesting watch as Iowa seeks to show what it's truly made of. Michigan State undoubtedly holds the edge at home while already standing battle-tested against several good teams.
The backcourt matchup between Stirtz and Banks against Fears and Carr will largely determine the outcome of this game. One of these squads will leave tomorrow’s contest with its first loss.
Cheers to the beginning of intensive conference play.