MSU basketball drops in updated 'Bracketology' from ESPN's Joe Lunardi
ESPN's Joe Lunardi has released an updated batch of bracketology for the 2026 NCAA Tournament and to no surprise Michigan State is safely in the field of 68. But the Spartans did slip since the last time Lunardi released a bracket projection earlier this offseason.
Lunardi currently has Michigan State as the No. 5 seed in the East Region with a first round matchup against Missouri Valley Conference champion Illinois State in Buffalo. In this projected bracket, Michigan State would face the winner of No. 4 seed Arkansas and No. 13 seed Miami (OH) should they knock off Illinois State in the first round.
Michigan State is looking to continue the hot play from last year's Big Ten championship season and Elite Eight finish next season. The Spartans have widely been projected as a top 25 team in the preseason polls for next year so Lunardi's projection of a No. 5 seed is aligned with the national media.
Click on the post below to read the complete NCAA Tournament bracket projection from Lunardi:
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
26 minutes ago
- USA Today
No. 57 overall pick Max Shulga signs two-way contract with Celtics
Former VCU guard Max Shulga, the 57th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, signed a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics, according to the official NBA transaction report. Shulga was the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, averaging 15 points, 5.9 rebounds, four assists and 1.8 steals on 38.7% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked ninth in the conference in points (526) and eighth in the country in win shares (7.0). Noa Dalzell of CelticsBlog first reported the news. The 23-year-old helped the Rams to a 28-7 record and a berth in the NCAA Tournament in their second season under coach Ryan Odom. He produced eight 20-point games, including a 29-point, four-rebound performance on Dec. 4. Shulga debuted with the Celtics in the NBA Summer League, averaging five points, 3.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.6 rebounds in five appearances. He had a summer league-high seven points, two assists and two steals in a win over the New York Knicks on July 13. The 6-foot-5 Ukrainian will split his time next season between the NBA and the Maine Celtics in the G League. He is eligible to be active for up to 50 games in the NBA and will earn $636,435, which is equal to 50% of the minimum salary applicable to a player with zero years of service. Shulga will now have the chance to begin his career with the Celtics and develop within the organization. He is currently the second player signed to a two-way contract, along with Miles Norris.
USA Today
26 minutes ago
- USA Today
Madden NFL 26 Top QBs revealed: Steelers' Aaron Rodgers doesn't make the cut
EA just revealed the top-10 player ratings at each position for Madden NFL 26 — and while the Steelers have representation in several key areas, quarterback isn't one of them. Here are the newly released Madden NFL 26 player ratings for the top-10 quarterbacks — with Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers notably excluded. Rodgers' predicted player rating of 77 is well off the top-10 quarterbacks in Madden 26 — failing to accurately account for his return to form at the end of the 2024 season. Underrated is an understatement, but the four-time MVP and 20-year veteran has more on his plate than Madden ratings — post-season aspirations on an incredibly stacked Steelers roster heading into the 2025 season. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
26 minutes ago
- USA Today
MSU OC Brian Lindgren 'really impressed' by true freshman running back
A freshman running back has apparently caught the eye of Michigan State offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren. The Spartans have opened up fall preseason camp, with Michigan State again taking the field for practice on Thursday. Following practice, Lindgren caught up with the local media to field questions about the Spartans offense. As part of that media availability, Lindgren discussed the running backs where he noted that he has been "really impressed" with true freshman Jace Clarizio. Check out the full quote from Lindgren on Clarizio in the post below -- courtesy of Spartan Shadows Emmett Matasovsky: Clarizio was a big-time recruiting win for the Spartans in the 2025 cycle, with Michigan State beating out Alabama for the East Lansing High School product. He was a high-end three-star prospect and ranked as the No. 34 running back in the 2025 class on 247Sports. Lindgren also said the running back position battle is still up for grabs with sophomores Makhi Frazier and Brandon Tullis currently in the lead. Sacramento State transfer Elijah Tau-Tolliver will also be in the mix for the starting role, but at a minimum, it sounds like Clarizio could see himself getting some carries too. If anything, it's always nice to see a big-time recruiting win already proving to be a valuable addition to the current and future roster. Michigan State opens the 2025 season on August 29 against Western Michigan. Kickoff from Spartan Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET with the game set to be televised on FS1. Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
