Ohio State vs Michigan State Prediction 2/22/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan State Spartans will meet on Sunday afternoon in a Big Ten matchup at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan.

Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview

The Ohio State Buckeyes enter Sunday’s contest with a 17–9 win‑loss record, including a 9–6 mark in conference play and a 4-4 record on the road. The Buckeyes have compiled wins over IU Indianapolis, Purdue Fort Wayne, Appalachian State, Notre Dame, Western Michigan, Mount St. Mary’s, and Northwestern, while dropping one game to the Pittsburgh Panthers.

In the Ohio State Buckeyes 86–82 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats earlier this season, Ohio State forward Brandon Noel tallied 29 points on 13 of 15 shooting from the field. Noel also grabbed 7 rebounds in the game.

The Ohio State Buckeyes average 81.2 points (53rd in the nation) on 49 percent shooting from the field (2nd in country) and 34.9 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. The Buckeyes are allowing opponents 73.4 points per contest.

Senior guard Bruce Thornton leads the Ohio State Buckeyes backcourt averaging 19.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Senior forward Brandon Noel adds 7.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1 assist per game, while freshman guard John Mobley Jr. contributes 15.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest.

Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview

The Michigan State Spartans enter Sunday afternoon’s contest with a 21–5 win‑loss record, including an 11–4 record in conference play and a 13-2 mark at home. The Spartans have compiled wins over Arkansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Detroit Mercy and the Iowa Hawkeyes, while dropping recent games to Minnesota and the Michigan Wolverines.

Earlier this season, in Michigan State’s 74–58 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels, Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr. posted 19 points on 8 of 10 shooting from the field illustrating his ability to play at a high level.

The Michigan State Spartans average 90.6 points (2nd in country) on 46.8 percent shooting from the field and 35.4 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Spartans are allowing opponents just 66.4 points per contest which ranks 18th in the nation.

Sophomore guard Jeremy Fears Jr. leads the Spartans backcourt averaging 15.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, 9.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Senior forward Jaxon Kohler adds 12.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Junior forward Coen Carr contributes 11.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per contest.

Why the Ohio State Buckeyes will win

•             Ability to win on the road. The Ohio State Buckeyes have amassed a 4-4 record on the road this season.

•             Balanced roster. Thornton, Noel, and Mobley Jr. provide scoring, rebounding, and playmaking ability.

•             Quality guard play. Bruce Thornton and John Mobley Jr. combine for over 35 points per game.

Why the Michigan State Spartans will win

•             Home court advantage. The Michigan State Spartans have compiled a 13-2 record at home in 2025.

•             Defensive edge. The Spartans are allowing opponents 66.4 points per contest which ranks 18th in the nation.

•             Frontcourt play. Senior forward Jaxon Kohler adds 12.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.     

Ohio State vs. Michigan State Prediction

Ohio State has shown that the team can win on the road (4-4), but this matchup leans toward a Michigan State Spartans team that historically played exceptionally well at home. This season has been no different in that regard. The Spartans have compiled a rather impressive 13-2 record at home in 2025. Additionally, the Spartans elite defense and overall physicality look to be a problem for a Buckeyes team that has struggled against elite teams at times this season. For me, the Spartans are the side to be on in this one. I am backing the Michigan State Spartans to cover the 9.5 points in tomorrow’s game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Michigan State -9.5