The heart of the NCAA Men's Basketball season is upon us, and January 5, 2026, promises to deliver a double dose of excitement with two marquee matchups that could shake up the rankings and set the tone for the latter half of the season.

NCAA Men's Basketball Game Preview

Nebraska at Ohio State: A Battle of Big Ten Titans

When the Nebraska Cornhuskers travel to face the Ohio State Buckeyes, expect a clash that's as much about grit as it is about skill. Nebraska, ranked #14, is riding high with a projected narrow victory. According to our GameSim model, the Cornhuskers have a 53% probability to edge out Ohio State with a predicted score of 79.6 to 77.2.

Key to Nebraska's success will be the dynamic duo of Pryce Sandfort and Rienk Mast. Sandfort is projected to contribute 15.1 points, while Mast is expected to dominate the boards with 9.5 rebounds and add 13.7 points. On the Buckeyes' side, Bruce Thornton is the player to watch, projected to score 18.3 points and snag 5.1 rebounds. This matchup is likely to keep fans on the edge of their seats, with both teams aiming to assert their dominance in the Big Ten.

USC at Michigan State: Spartans' Home Advantage

Over in East Lansing, the Michigan State Spartans are set to defend their home court against the USC Trojans. The Spartans are not just favored because of their #18 ranking but also because of their solid performance predictions. Our GameSim platform gives Michigan State a commanding 71% chance to win, projecting a final score of 83.8 to 67.2.

Jaxon Kohler will be a key factor for the Spartans, with an impressive projection of 15.3 points and 12.7 rebounds. His presence in the paint could be the difference-maker. Meanwhile, for USC, Rodney Rice is anticipated to lead the charge with 13.6 points and 3.4 assists. However, overcoming the Spartans' home-court advantage and depth might be a tall order for the Trojans.

Both games are set to deliver high-stakes drama, with not just conference standings but also potential NCAA tournament implications on the line. Whether you're tuning in to see Nebraska's resilience or Michigan State's prowess, these matchups are must-watch TV for basketball enthusiasts.

For those who want to dive deeper into the game-day numbers, GameSim+ offers detailed projected player stats for these and other games. Learn more and subscribe to get the edge in your basketball analytics.