Michigan State is the most-watched college basketball team in the country

What a special season it's been so far for Michigan State. The Spartans are off to an 18-2 start after losing guys like Jase Richardson, Tre Holloman, and Jaden Akins from last year's Elite Eight and Big Ten title-winning team, which just goes to show that Tom Izzo's still got it.

The Spartans are playing some of the best basketball in the country, and people are beginning to notice. It took a while, but the Spartans are finally getting the respect they deserve.

All it took at an almost-historic start to the season -- I say "almost-historic" because the Spartans could get off to a program-best 20-2 start on Friday against Michigan.

This team is fun to watch, and everyone in college basketball would agree.

There are several reasons to tune into a Michigan State game, whether it's elite defense or Tom Izzo or Jeremy Fears or Coen Carr. Heck, Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper are an elite duo, too. There are plenty of reasons to watch the Spartans, and college basketball fans have realized that.

In fact, Michigan State is the most-watched team in college basketball this season.

Michigan State has played five of the top eight most-watched teams on the list, so the Spartans being No. 1 shouldn't be all that surprising. But that doesn't negate the fact that Michigan State is one of those "must-see" matchups for every team.

This is great for Michigan State recruiting

If you're an elite athlete who wants as many eyeballs on you as possible, you have to see this list of the most-watched teams in college basketball and love what Michigan State has to offer.

The Spartans are always playing in big games, and this proves that. Why wouldn't you want to play for a team that's always in the spotlight?

Only three other Big Ten teams made the top 10, and none of them are currently near the top of the Big Ten standings -- Indiana and Wisconsin have a fighter's chance. That just goes to show that Michigan State has the best basketball brand in the Big Ten right now.

No surprise there.