When Does Michigan State Play Michigan in Football 2025?

By Sarah Miller · October 1, 2050

Michigan State and Michigan will face off in their annual football rivalry game on October 25, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, MI. This marks the latest chapter in one of college football’s most storied rivalries, with the winner taking home the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

Overview of the Michigan vs. Michigan State Football Rivalry

The rivalry between the University of Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State University Spartans is one of the most intense and historic matchups in college football. Known as the Paul Bunyan Trophy Game, this annual clash typically occurs during late October as part of the Big Ten Conference schedule.

Key Facts About the Rivalry

The first meeting was in 1898; the series became an annual event in 1945.
The winner receives the Paul Bunyan Trophy, introduced in 1953.
Michigan leads the all-time series, but Michigan State has had strong stretches, especially in the 2010s.
The game alternates between Ann Arbor (Michigan Stadium) and East Lansing (Spartan Stadium).
It is traditionally played on a Saturday late in the regular season, often late October or early November.

2025 Game Details

The upcoming Michigan vs. Michigan State football game is scheduled for:

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: To be announced (typically 12:00 PM or 3:30 PM ET)
Location: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
Broadcast: ABC or ESPN (TBD closer to date)
Home Team: Michigan State Spartans

This will be the 117th meeting between the two programs and the second time the game is hosted in East Lansing within a three-year span due to scheduling rotations.

Historical Context and Series Trends

The rivalry has seen dramatic shifts in dominance. While Michigan holds a commanding lead in the overall series, Michigan State enjoyed a notable run from 2010 to 2017, winning seven of eight games, including several ranked matchups.

Season	Date	Location	Winner	Score
2024	Nov 16, 2024	Ann Arbor, MI	Michigan	24–17
2023	Oct 28, 2023	East Lansing, MI	Michigan	49–0
2022	Nov 5, 2022	Ann Arbor, MI	Michigan	29–7
2021	Oct 30, 2021	East Lansing, MI	Michigan	37–33
2020	Dec 12, 2020	East Lansing, MI	Michigan State	27–24
2019	Oct 19, 2019	Ann Arbor, MI	Michigan	44–10
2018	Oct 20, 2018	East Lansing, MI	Michigan State	27–14

Table data source:1, 2

The table above shows that Michigan has dominated the rivalry since 2018, winning six consecutive games as of 2024. The 2023 shutout victory in East Lansing was particularly significant, marking the first time Michigan blanked Michigan State in the series’ history. Despite Michigan State’s home-field advantage in 2025, recent performance trends suggest a competitive challenge ahead.

What to Expect in 2025

The 2025 matchup will be pivotal for both programs as they aim for Big Ten standings positioning and potential College Football Playoff implications. With new coaching dynamics and recruiting classes entering, the game could signal a shift in momentum if Michigan State can break their losing streak.

Factors That Could Influence the 2025 Game

Coaching Strategies: Both teams may have evolved offensive and defensive schemes by 2025.
Recruiting Impact: Fresh talent from 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes could play key roles.
Injuries and Depth: Availability of starting quarterbacks and defensive leaders will be crucial.
Home Field Advantage: Playing in Spartan Stadium gives MSU crowd support, though Michigan has won there recently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan vs. Michigan State Football

When is the next Michigan vs. Michigan State football game?

The next Michigan vs. Michigan State football game is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.

Where is the Michigan State vs. Michigan football game played in 2025?

In 2025, the game will be played at Spartan Stadium, the home field of Michigan State University, located in East Lansing, MI.

What time does Michigan play Michigan State in 2025?

The kickoff time for the 2025 game has not been officially announced yet. It will likely be either 12:00 PM or 3:30 PM Eastern Time, depending on TV broadcast scheduling.

How can I watch the Michigan vs. Michigan State game in 2025?

The game will likely be televised on ABC or ESPN. Streaming options will include ESPN+, FuboTV, YouTube TV, and other live sports platforms. Check official network schedules closer to the date.

Who won the last Michigan vs. Michigan State football game?

Michigan won the most recent matchup on November 16, 2024, defeating Michigan State 24–17 in Ann Arbor.

What is the Paul Bunyan Trophy?

The Paul Bunyan Trophy is awarded to the winner of the annual Michigan vs. Michigan State football game. Introduced in 1953, it symbolizes one of the fiercest rivalries in college football.

Has Michigan State beaten Michigan recently?

Michigan State's last win in the series was in 2020, when they defeated Michigan 27–24 in East Lansing. Since then, Michigan has won five straight games as of 2024.