The Big Ten race is heating up as Ohio State Buckeyes travel to face the No. 15 Michigan State Spartans on Sunday, February 22, 2026. With March approaching and NCAA Tournament spots on the line, this matchup carries major importance for both teams’ postseason hopes.
Michigan State enters the game in strong position in the conference standings and has been dominant at home. Ohio State, meanwhile, is fighting for consistency and looking to secure a key road win to strengthen its tournament resume. The atmosphere at the Breslin Center is expected to be intense as two long-time rivals meet for their 135th all-time matchup.
Michigan State holds the historical edge in the series, but recent meetings have been competitive, making this another important chapter in their rivalry.
Match Details
| Match | Ohio State vs Michigan State |
|---|---|
| Date | February 22, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 1:00 PM ET (11:30 PM IST) |
| Venue | Breslin Center, East Lansing, Michigan |
| TV | CBS |
| Live Streaming | Paramount+ / CBS App |
Team Form and Season Overview
Michigan State (21-5, 11-4 Big Ten) has continued its strong run under head coach Tom Izzo. The Spartans are pushing for a top conference finish and remain one of the best defensive teams in the league. Their ball movement is a major strength, ranking among the national leaders in assists.
Ohio State (17-9, 9-6 Big Ten) has already matched last season’s win total and is showing improvement under head coach Jake Diebler. However, the Buckeyes have struggled with consistency, alternating wins and losses over the past few weeks. Their offense can score, but defensive lapses have been a concern throughout the season.
Key Team Stats Comparison
| Category | Michigan State | Ohio State |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 78.9 | 81.2 |
| Points Allowed | 66.4 | 73.4 |
| Assists Per Game | 18.6 | 14.5 |
| Field Goal Defense | Strong (Top-tier) | Average |
| 3-Point Accuracy | Solid defense vs 3PT | 34.9% shooting |
Michigan State’s defensive discipline and rebounding advantage could play a major role, especially against an Ohio State team that relies heavily on perimeter scoring.
Key Players to Watch
Michigan State Spartans
- Jeremy Fears Jr. – Team leader in assists and playmaking
- Jaxon Kohler – Strong presence on the boards
- Coen Carr – Reliable scoring support
Ohio State Buckeyes
- Bruce Thornton – Team’s top scorer and offensive engine
- Devin Royal – Key frontcourt contributor
- John Mobley Jr. – Important scoring option (status affects depth)
If Thornton gets hot offensively, Ohio State could stay competitive. However, Michigan State’s balanced scoring and depth give them an advantage.
Injury Report
| Team | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | John Mobley Jr. | Out (hand injury) |
| Ohio State | Josh Ojianwuna | Out (knee) |
| Michigan State | Denham Wojcik | Limited (shoulder) |
| Michigan State | Divine Ugochukwu | Out (season-ending) |
Ohio State’s injuries have affected their rotation and overall depth, which could be a key factor in a tough road environment.
Head-to-Head & Last Meeting
| Last Meeting | Result |
|---|---|
| Jan 3, 2025 | Michigan State won 69-62 |
Michigan State has performed well defensively in recent matchups and has been strong at home against Ohio State.
Odds & Prediction
| Betting Line | Value |
|---|---|
| Spread | Michigan State -9.5 to -10.5 |
| Over/Under | 146.5 – 147.5 |
| Moneyline | Michigan State strong favorite |
Match Prediction:
Michigan State’s defense, home advantage, and deeper rotation give them the edge. Ohio State may keep the game competitive if their offense performs well, but the Spartans are expected to control the pace.
Projected Score:
Michigan State 78 – Ohio State 68
This game could have a major impact on Big Ten standings and NCAA Tournament positioning. Michigan State will look to protect its home court and strengthen its resume, while Ohio State is chasing a valuable road win.
With postseason pressure building and rivalry intensity high, fans can expect a physical and competitive battle in East Lansing.
