The Michigan Wolverines confirmed their 2026 Military Appreciation Game against Michigan State for November 7. The tribute at the Big House will honor fallen service members during one of college football's most intense rivalries.

“The Big House will honor those who served on Nov. 7 as @UMichFootball hosts Michigan State for their 2026 Military Appreciation Game,” Champ Media shared in an X post on May 23.

The Military Appreciation Game is the annual game in which the Wolverines take on the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium, known as the Big House at Ann Arbor. It usually takes place between late October and November. 

To honor America's service members, Michigan's MGoTroops allows season-ticket holders and fans to purchase and donate tickets, which are then distributed directly to veterans and active-duty service members.

Like every year, the game is set to feature veterans and ROTC students holding the National flag during the National Anthem and special military flyovers.

In the 2025 season, the Wolverines beat the Spartans in a 31-20 game on October 25. The game was held at the Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. These in-state programs are one of the most bitter football rivalries. 

Their annual clash for the Paul Bunyan Trophy remains one of the most coveted Big 10 and football games. Last year, the Wolverines, then ranked No. 25, retained the trophy, a four-foot-tall wooden statue of a lumberjack. 

Since 1953, the Wolverines have won more against the Spartans and hold a 42-29-2 record. Currently, the Wolverines are on a four-game winning streak from the 2022 season (29-7, 49-0, 49-0, and 31-20).

The Wolverines hold a dominant 75-38-5 overall record against the Spartans. However, a recent report has suggested why the they can win against their foes this season. 

Will The Michigan State Spartans Break The Four-Game Loss Streak?

The Michigan State Spartans have a new head coach, Pat Fitzgerald. He is expected to overhaul the program which is currently on a four-game losing streak. It is the longest since the 1980s. 

The program gears up for a new season, and ultimately, the much-anticipated special game against the Michigan Wolverines, a Sports Illustrated report believes they have a golden opportunity to win this time.

“The Spartans will get two weeks to prepare for the rivalry clash with Michigan, rather than one. That week will be the Wolverines' fourth straight week playing, too,” Jacob Cotsonika wrote on May 26.

The Spartans’ bye week falls on October 31 this year, in the Halloween weekend. This allows the program to train hard and recover well ahead of the significant game. The Wolverines have won the last four matchups consistently.

Will the Spartans break the streak? Tell us your thoughts in the comments. 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar