Michigan State hockey now is ranked No. 1 in the nation, fresh off a 5-2 win over its biggest rival.
The Spartans (22-6, 13-5 Big Ten) rose from No. 2 to No. 1 in both the NPI and USCHO standings, with Michigan falling from No. 1 to No. 2 in both rankings. The two schools switched positions following a weekend series that saw Michigan win 4-3 in overtime on Friday, Feb. 6, in Ann Arbor, before Michigan State pulled off a 5-2 win in the Duel in the D at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Saturday.
MSU is 2-2 against the Wolverines this season; however, with its overtime loss Friday, it has taken more points off the Wolverines this season than U-M has taken off the Spartans.
That’s a big reason why the Spartans (39 points) are in first place in the Big Ten despite the Wolverines (23-5, 14-4, 38 points) having a better conference record.
MSU’s rise to first place wasn’t unanimous, with the Spartans getting 30 first-place votes in the USCHO poll and the Wolverines getting 18 (Quinnipiac, in fifth place, received the remaining two first-place votes). With a better overall record, the Wolverines have an argument for retaining their No. 1 spot.
Also in the top 5 from the Mitten State is the defending champion Western Michigan Broncos, who rank No. 4 behind MSU, U-M and North Dakota in both rankings.
Michigan Tech rose from No. 20 to No. 17 in the USCHO poll, while standing at No. 18 in the NPI.
NCAA hockey rankings
Per USCHO as of Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Big Ten hockey tournament key dates
All tournament games at campus sites; times and channels TBD.
Frozen Four key dates
Here’s what to know about the 2026 NCAA hockey tournament.
Michigan State hockey schedule for next four games
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State hockey hops Michigan for No. 1 in new USCHO rankings
Reporting by Christian Romo, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
