Among the exciting sporting events on Thanksgiving Day, the Fort Myers Tip-Off brings us a compelling matchup at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. North Carolina and Michigan State arrive unbeaten and looking to strengthen their early season resumes in one of the headline games of the holiday.
North Carolina enters the game ranked 16th in the Associated Press poll and sits at 6-0. The Tar Heels have already put together a convincing win over Kansas and have not played a game decided by fewer than 13 points. Henri Veesaar scored 24 and Caleb Wilson added 20 in Tuesday’s victory over St. Bonaventure.
Michigan State also brings a 6-0 record into Fort Myers. The Spartans opened their week by scoring 89 on East Carolina and have strong wins over Arkansas and Kentucky. Jaxon Kohler’s 16 points helped spark their offense, and the Spartans remain one of eight unbeaten teams in the Big Ten.
This neutral court contest gives both teams a chance to measure themselves against another nationally prominent opponent before the grind of conference play begins.
North Carolina vs. Michigan State: When and Where
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 4:30 pm ET
Location: Suncoast Credit Union Arena, Fort Myers, Florida
North Carolina vs. Michigan State: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: FOX
Streaming: FuboTV
North Carolina vs. Michigan State: Betting Odds
Spread: Michigan State Spartans -2.5, North Carolina Tar Heels +2.5
Moneyline: Michigan State Spartans -145, North Carolina Tar Heels +125
Total: 150.5
North Carolina vs. Michigan State: Series History
All time series: North Carolina leads 6-4
Last meeting: Michigan State 94, North Carolina 91 (November 27, 2024)
Projected Starting Lineups
North Carolina Tar Heels
Caleb Wilson (20.2 ppg, 10.3 rpg)
Henri Veesaar (16.3 ppg)
Seth Trimble (14.5 ppg)
Kyan Evans (8.5 ppg)
Jarin Stevenson (8.0 ppg)
* Luka Bogavac has started four games and averages 12.2 points per game.
Michigan State Spartans
Jaxson Kohler (14.4 ppg, 10.4 rpg)
Coen Carr (12.2 ppg)
Cooper Carson (11.6 ppg)
Jeremy Fears Jr. (11.4 ppg)
Trey Fort (6.0 ppg)
* Kur Teng has made one start and is averaging 14.4 minutes per game.
The most intriguing storyline centers on North Carolina’s frontcourt duo and how Michigan State plans to match their length and scoring. The Tar Heels have looked steady and explosive through six games, while the Spartans have shown toughness and balance in their early schedule.
Some may see North Carolina as a slight favorite, but Michigan State has already proven it can handle elite opponents. Can the Spartans deliver another statement win on Thanksgiving, or will the Tar Heels keep rolling toward a perfect November?