Michigan State Climbs to No. 5 in AP Top 25
The Spartans moved up one spot in the poll released Monday afternoon, after a 2-0 start to the season.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Basketball
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Michigan State basketball moved up one spot to No. 5 in the AP Top 25 poll released Monday afternoon. The Spartans are 2-0 to open the season after beating Quinnipiac and Toledo at home last week.
Why it matters
The ranking places Michigan State among the top teams nationally early in the season. It also reflects a strong start for a program looking to contend in the Big Ten.
Michigan State is 2-0 to open the season, ranked No. 5 in the AP Top 25, with six Big Ten teams in the poll. The extraction does not include the poll vote totals or Michigan State's previous ranking.
The players
Michigan State Spartans
The men's basketball program of Michigan State University, a member of the Big Ten Conference based in East Lansing, Michigan.
Duke Blue Devils
The men's basketball program of Duke University, a perennial national contender in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The details
Michigan State beat Quinnipiac and Toledo at home last week to start the season 2-0. The Spartans face No. 2 Duke in the Champions Classic on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the United Center in Chicago, then host Northern Iowa on Friday at 7 p.m.
Timeline
Monday afternoon: AP Top 25 poll released, moving Michigan State to No. 5.
Tuesday, November 10: Michigan State vs. Duke, Champions Classic, 7 p.m. in Chicago.
Friday, November 13: Michigan State hosts Northern Iowa, 7 p.m.
Season Trajectory
The AP Top 25 weekly poll is the national benchmark for early-season standing, and Michigan State's one-spot rise places it among six Big Ten teams in the group. A top-five start positions the Spartans for a strong showing in the Champions Classic against Duke, the nation's No. 2 team.
Fans following the Spartans have two home-and-away marquee chances this week to test a top-five team. The Champions Classic matchup against Duke will show how the early ranking holds up against a top-two opponent.
The takeaway
A top-five start with a 2-0 record gives Michigan State early credibility, but the Duke game on Tuesday will be the first real test of that ranking against a top-two team.
What happens next
Michigan State plays No. 2 Duke in the Champions Classic on Tuesday, November 10, at 7 p.m. in Chicago, and hosts Northern Iowa on Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m.
Further reading
Explore more Michigan State basketball coverage for the latest on the Spartans' season.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
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