Michigan State Spartans vs Nebraska Cornhuskers Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 01/02/26

It’s a Big Ten showdown on Friday night, as unbeaten No. 13 Nebraska welcomes No. 9 Michigan State to Lincoln. Nebraska is riding its longest winning streak in school history at 17 games, but this will easily be its toughest test of the season. Michigan State, meanwhile, rebounded well after its only loss to Duke, winning 4 straight games and looking to avoid another setback against a ranked opponent. According to KenPom, this matchup features 2 strong defense teams, with the Spartans ranking 6th in adjusted defensive efficiency compared to Nebraska at 28th. This will be a defensive battle, but I believe the Spartans will walk away with a win and here’s why. 

Michigan State has faced 4 ranked opponents in non-conference play, and their only loss came to then-No.4 Duke. Senior Jaxon Kohler leads this Spartans team with 13.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. He’s not alone, the Spartans have 3 other players averaging double figures and, and they’re shooting 46.8% from the floor while holding opponents to just 39.3%. As for the Cornhuskers, Rienk Mast leads his team with 16.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Nebraska doesn’t have as much depth, with just 3 players averaging double digits, but the Huskers shooting 48.1% from the floor and holding opponents to 37.6%. Nebraska has shot the ball slightly better this season, but Michigan State’s experience against tougher competition stands out. Winning on the road is never easy, but the Spartans’ elite defense and rebounding advantage should create extra possession and second-chance opportunities, helping them edge out Nebraska in a close battle. 

Michigan State vs Nebraska prediction: Michigan State Spartans ML (+115) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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