Michigan State’s men’s basketball team will face the University of Arkansas in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic on November 26, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The game will be broadcast nationally on the CBS Television Network and streamed live on Paramount+ at 4:30 p.m., giving fans across the country a chance to watch the early‑season test.
A Renewed Rivalry
The two programs previously met in the 2025‑26 regular season at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, where Michigan State edged Arkansas 69‑66. Cam Ward led the Spartans with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Coen Carr contributed 15 points and seven rebounds. This will be the fourth all‑time meeting, and Michigan State has won the last two contests.
Coach Tom Izzo said he is eager to test his squad against Arkansas’s depth and experience, noting the excitement of playing in Detroit’s historic arena. The matchup also marks the seventh all‑time encounter between Izzo and Arkansas coach John Calipari, with the head‑to‑head record tied at three wins each.
Looking Ahead to Fayetteville
The return trip for Michigan State will take place during the 2027‑28 season when the Spartans travel to Fayetteville, Arkansas. The series will continue to showcase high‑profile non‑conference matchups that draw national attention and help shape each team’s early‑season narrative.
Tickets for the Detroit game will go on sale starting October 1, 2026, with a one‑day presale scheduled for September 30. Fans can register for the presale at DetroitHoops.com/tickets to secure their seats for what promises to be a marquee event in the college basketball calendar.
Beyond the win‑loss implications, the game highlights the growing partnership between CBS Sports and the participating universities, offering a platform for both institutions to showcase their programs to a national audience.