The 1978 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University during the 1978 Big Ten Conference football season. Finishing the season on a seven-game winning streak, the Spartans won their fourth Big Ten Conference championship, which they shared with in-state rival Michigan. The Spartans finished number 12 in the final AP Poll. Wide receiver Kirk Gibson caught 42 passes for 806 yard during the 1978 season. Gibson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.