Nebraska vs Michigan State head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 4, Saturday, September 26, 2026.
The Breakdown
Michigan State 62 to Nebraska 59 — thin edge, veteran-built Spartans leaning on four-year starters, not blue chips (9%).
When Nebraska has the ball: The 3.6★ O-line, with 5★ Elijah Pritchett, slightly outguns Michigan State's 3.3★, 3.8-year D-line.
When Michigan State has the ball: The 2.8★ O-line, four years apiece, faces Nebraska's 3.5★ D-line and 5★ Williams Nwaneri.
Swing factor: Both QBs 3★: Anthony Colandrea brings three college years, Alessio Milivojevic two. Slim Nebraska edge.
X-factor: Late-September Saturday in East Lansing; Nebraska's Week 4 road trip into a hostile Big Ten crowd.