On November 17, 2023, the Michigan State men’s basketball team will travel to Knoxville to open a two‑year home‑and‑home series against the Tennessee Volunteers. The matchup marks the first meeting of the new arrangement, with the return game scheduled for the 2027‑28 season in East Lansing.
A rivalry that stretches back decades
The Spartans hold a 5‑2 edge in the all‑time head‑to‑head ledger, a record built over meetings that include a 70‑69 Elite Eight victory in 2010 and a narrow 89‑88 loss in a charity exhibition earlier this year. Michigan State is 2‑0 at home, 2‑1 on the road, and 1‑1 on neutral sites against the Volunteers, underscoring a competitive balance that has defined their past encounters.
Both programs are guided by coaches who sit near the top of the all‑time NCAA Tournament appearance list. Tom Izzo of Michigan State is tied for fifth all‑time with numerous deep tournament runs, while Rick Barnes of Tennessee sits third among active coaches. Their presence adds a layer of narrative intrigue, as each seeks to extend his legacy in a series that will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Recent exhibition reveals key contributors
The most recent exhibition, played ahead of the 2023‑24 season, ended in a 89‑88 Volunteers win. Tyson Walker led the Spartans with 22 points, while Malik Hall posted a double‑double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Raymar Morgan’s clutch free throw with 1.8 seconds left sealed a 70‑69 victory in the 2010 Elite Eight, a moment still celebrated by Michigan State supporters.
This game will mark the first time Tom Izzo coaches a regular‑season contest in Knoxville. The last time an MSU squad visited Tennessee was December 21, 1993, when the Spartans posted a 69‑60 win. Earlier meetings include an 85‑61 loss in the 1971 Volunteer Classic and a 35‑31 triumph in the program’s inaugural matchup on January 23, 1939.
Both schools enter the series as part of an elite group of Division I programs with 220 or more career victories over the past nine seasons (2017‑26). Michigan State sits tied for 12th with 220 wins, while Tennessee ranks eighth nationally with 226 victories, highlighting the sustained excellence of each program.