Michigan State to Host Central Michigan in 2027, 2030
Michigan State will uphold its football contracts with Central Michigan despite past controversies involving sideline access.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Football
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Michigan State is set to play football games against Central Michigan on September 11, 2027, and August 31, 2030. These matchups remain on the schedule despite a prior incident involving unauthorized sideline access.
Why it matters
School leadership concluded that canceling the remaining games would negatively impact the football program's revenue and resource allocation. The university is contractually obligated to pay $1.5 million per game, and breach of contract would still require payment.
Michigan State paid Central Michigan $1.75 million for their 2023 contest, which ended 31-7 before the NCAA vacated the win. The upcoming games in 2027 and 2030 each carry a $1.5 million payout requirement.
The players
Michigan State University
This public research university located in East Lansing fields a Division I football team in the Big Ten Conference.
Central Michigan University
This public university based in Mount Pleasant competes in the Mid-American Conference.
Dan Bartholomae
He serves as the athletic director for Michigan State University.
Connor Stalions
He is a former analyst who was found to have accessed the Central Michigan sideline during a 2023 game.
The details
The decision to maintain the series comes after the NCAA vacated Michigan State's 2023 victory due to recruiting violations and addressed unauthorized sideline access by Connor Stalions. While Michigan State athletic director Dan Bartholomae has declined to schedule future games against the school beyond 2030, the existing contract remains in effect.
Timeline
The schools signed a three-game football contract in 2020.
Michigan State played Central Michigan at Spartan Stadium on September 1, 2023.
Dan Bartholomae became Michigan State athletic director in August 2026.
Michigan State and Central Michigan are scheduled to play on September 11, 2027.
The teams are scheduled to play their final contracted game on August 31, 2030.
Season Trajectory
The decision to fulfill the contract ensures long-term scheduling stability while avoiding expensive breach-of-contract litigation. It also clarifies the future non-conference slate for Michigan State through the end of the decade.
Fans should mark September 11, 2027, and August 31, 2030, as the confirmed dates for these matchups on the future schedule. The university's decision ensures these non-conference games will proceed as planned at Spartan Stadium.
The takeaway
Universities often weigh the high costs of contract buyouts against the long-term benefit of maintaining established schedules. This situation highlights how administrative decisions to honor existing agreements can override the desire to distance programs from past controversies.
Further reading
For more on the state of college football in the region, visit Michigan Football.
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