The Illinois Fighting Illini (2-3) visit the Michigan State Spartans (2-3) on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET, and the game airs on FS1. DraftKings lists the spread at ILL -3.5 with a total of 49.5; moneylines are Illinois -170 · Michigan State +142. Below is our Illinois vs Michigan State preview with the latest odds, point spread, moneyline, over/under, kickoff time, TV channel and where to watch, plus a look at each team’s season so far, head coach and key players. Lines may move before kickoff.
Illinois vs Michigan State Odds, Spread, Kickoff Time & TV
| Matchup detail | Line / info |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Illinois at Michigan State |
| Records | Illinois 2-3 · Michigan State 2-3 |
| Spread | ILL -3.5 |
| Moneyline | Illinois -170 · Michigan State +142 |
| Total | 49.5 |
| Venue | Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI |
| Date/Time | Saturday, October 10, 2026 · 3:30 PM ET |
| TV / How to Watch | FS1 |
| Head Coaches | Illinois: HC Bret Bielema, OC Barry Lunney Jr. · Michigan State: HC Pat Fitzgerald, OC Nick Sheridan |
Illinois Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Illinois Fighting Illini are 2-3 overall, 0-2 in Big Ten play. Results to date: Sep 3 — W 42-23 vs UAB; Sep 12 — L 31-27 vs Duke; Sep 19 — W 48-10 vs Southern Illinois; Sep 26 — L 42-19 at Ohio State; Oct 3 — L 24-17 vs Purdue. Most recently, Illinois lost to Purdue 24-17 at home. Through 5 games, Illinois is averaging 30.6 points scored and 26.0 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Bret Bielema (head coach since 2021). Offensive coordinator: Barry Lunney Jr.. Defensive coordinator: Vacant.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Katin Houser (QB) — 102/155, 1,246 yards, 11 TD, 3 INT
- Rushing leader: Aidan Laughery (RB) — 45 carries, 321 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving leader: Collin Dixon (WR) — 40 receptions, 546 yards, 8 TD
- Sacks leader: Will Holmes (DL) — 1 sack
- Tackles leader: Matthew Bailey (DB) — 37 total tackles
Strengths: An offense averaging 30.6 points per game. Questions: A defense allowing 26.0 points per game; the response to a 24-17 loss to Purdue.
Michigan State Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Michigan State Spartans are 2-3 overall, 0-2 in Big Ten play. Results to date: Sep 4 — W 30-20 vs Toledo; Sep 12 — W 35-7 vs Eastern Michigan; Sep 19 — L 27-10 at Notre Dame; Sep 26 — L 31-13 vs Nebraska; Oct 3 — L 31-3 at Wisconsin. Most recently, Michigan State lost to Wisconsin 31-3 on the road. Through 5 games, Michigan State is averaging 18.2 points scored and 23.2 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Pat Fitzgerald (first season in charge). Offensive coordinator: Nick Sheridan. Defensive coordinators: Max Bullough / Joe Rossi.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Alessio Milivojevic (QB) — 80/129, 851 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
- Rushing leader: Cam Edwards (RB) — 64 carries, 304 yards, 3 TD
- Receiving leader: Rodney Bullard Jr. (WR) — 15 receptions, 206 yards, 1 TD
- Sacks leader: Eli Coenen (DL) — 3 sacks
- Tackles leader: Devin Vaught (S) — 33 total tackles
Strengths: The production of Alessio Milivojevic (80/129, 851 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT). Questions: An offense averaging 18.2 points per game; the response to a 31-3 loss at Wisconsin.
How to Watch Illinois vs Michigan State
- Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET
- Venue: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
- TV / Streaming: FS1
Odds: DraftKings lines reported via ESPN on October 5, 2026. Lines may move before kickoff. Records, results and season stats via ESPN; coaching staffs per 2026 staff listings. This page is an informational matchup preview only.