When Michigan and Michigan State meet on the hardwood Friday night, expect fireworks. This is one of the marquee matchups of the 2025-26 college basketball season, and the Breslin Center will be rocking. But while the game itself promises high-level intensity, some of the noise leading up to tip-off isn’t coming from the court - it’s coming from the broadcast booth.
Fox’s broadcast duo for the game will be Gus Johnson and Bill Raftery, two of the most recognizable voices in college basketball. Raftery’s presence is always a welcome one - his blend of basketball IQ and infectious charm has made him a fan favorite for decades. Gus Johnson, on the other hand, is drawing a bit more scrutiny from the Michigan State faithful.
Here’s the issue: Johnson has long been open about his ties to the state of Michigan and his affinity for the Wolverines. He’s spoken in the past about watching Michigan games as a kid, he’s been invited to speak with Michigan teams, and he’s even said on air that he roots for the Maize and Blue. That’s more than enough to raise eyebrows in East Lansing, especially with a rivalry game of this magnitude on deck.
Spartan fans aren’t just being sensitive here. There’s history.
During a Michigan basketball broadcast a few years back, Johnson was gifted a Michigan football national championship swag bag. He showed it off on air and said, “I’m from Michigan, so I can root for Michigan.”
That kind of moment might seem harmless to the casual viewer, but for Michigan State fans, it’s a red flag - especially when the same voice is calling the biggest game of their season.
This isn’t about questioning Johnson’s professionalism. He’s one of the most electric play-by-play voices in the sport.
His energy is unmatched, and when the moment is big, he knows how to elevate it. But in a rivalry as emotionally charged as Michigan vs.
Michigan State, perception matters. Even the slightest hint of bias - real or imagined - can become a lightning rod for criticism.
It’s also worth noting that Johnson hasn’t always been a point of contention in East Lansing. Earlier in his career, he was widely appreciated for his enthusiasm and knack for delivering iconic calls.
But as his Michigan ties became more public, the dynamic shifted. For Spartan fans, it’s not just about who’s calling the game - it’s about who they feel is telling their story, and whether that story is being told fairly.
To be clear: no one’s expecting Johnson to openly cheer for Michigan on the broadcast. That’s not how this works. But for Michigan State fans tuning in Friday night, there’s a lingering concern that the spotlight may shine a little brighter on the Wolverines - whether it’s through anecdotes, tone, or just subtle shifts in emphasis.
And when the stakes are this high - potentially the biggest Big Ten clash of the season - every detail gets magnified.
At the end of the day, this game will be decided on the court. Tom Izzo’s squad will be focused on execution, intensity, and protecting home court.
But don’t be surprised if, around 8 p.m. Friday night, a few Spartan fans reach for the remote - not to change the channel, but to hit the mute button.
It’s not personal. It’s rivalry basketball.