A recent forecast from college football analyst William Cockerill paints a modest picture for the Michigan State Spartans in the 2026 season. Cockerill, a former Clemson walk‑on who now writes for a national sports outlet, projects that the team will finish with only two wins, both coming against non‑conference opponents Toledo and Eastern Michigan.
While the baseline outlook is bleak, the analyst notes that the schedule includes several games that appear winnable, such as matchups against Nebraska, Wisconsin, Northwestern and UCLA. These contests could allow the Spartans to exceed the minimal win total and potentially reach a bowl game.
Coaching and Offensive Outlook
The analysis highlights the stability of the coaching staff, emphasizing that Pat Fitzgerald is regarded as a competent leader who can maximize the offense. Fitzgerald's reputation for developing talent suggests that the Spartans' offensive unit could be a strong point despite the overall low win projection.
Cockerill also points to the team's overall schedule as a factor that could improve their record. By capitalizing on winnable Big Ten matchups and leveraging a favorable non‑conference slate, Michigan State may be able to add a few more victories and secure a postseason berth.