The No. 5 seed for MSU (22-8) is its best since being a No. 4 seed in 2016. The Spartans spent a majority of the season in the mix to host as one of the top 16 overall seeds. MSU was viewed by the NCAA tournament selection committee as a No. 4 seed in mid-February and again on March 1 before ultimately slipping out of that grouping and earning a 5.

Fans and media react to the Spartans' draw in the NCAA Tournament and what appears to be a loaded East Region

Where Michigan State March Madness bracketology and predictions stand on Selection Sunday, when the 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket will be revealed.

Michigan State basketball got a 3-seed to Tom Izzo's 28th straight NCAA Tournament. Here's how the Spartans can earn him his ninth Final Four trip.

Can Michigan State basketball win March Madness? Our 2026 NCAA bracket predictions are in for the Spartans.

Opening March Madness on a Thursday will make Michigan State’s usual plan to prepare for all three possible first-weekend opponents a little trickier. The flip side is the team should be motivated after losing back-to-back games for the second time this season.

Michigan State basketball will play North Dakota State in the first round of March Madness on Thursday, March 19, in Buffalo, New York.

The Ohio State Buckeyes (20-11) are headed to United Center on Friday where they will play the Michigan Wolverines (29-2) in the Big Ten Tournament. Michigan opens this contest as 13-point favorites from Vegas oddsmakers. The total has been set at 153.5.