Tom Izzo is still screaming. It’s January 2026, and the man just picked up his 752nd career win. You’d think after 31 seasons and a Hall of Fame jacket, he’d maybe chill out a little bit? Nope. During the recent home win over Indiana, a hot mic caught him dropping a pair of F-bombs during a huddle. Honestly, it was vintage Izzo. If he isn't purple-faced and losing his voice, something is probably wrong in East Lansing.
But here is the thing: men's basketball Michigan State feels different this year. For the last few seasons, it felt like the Spartans were just "there." They’d make the tournament, sure, but they weren't a threat to actually do anything. This 2025-26 squad? They’re currently 16-2. They just dismantled Washington in Seattle. They have a defense that KenPom ranks second in the entire country.
People are starting to realize that the "down years" might be over.
The Jeremy Fears Jr. Factor
Everything starts with the point guard. Jeremy Fears Jr. is basically a coach on the floor at this point. After that scary incident where he was shot in the leg a couple of years back, there were real questions about whether he’d ever be the same explosive player. He isn't just back; he’s the heartbeat of the team.
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He just dropped a career-high 23 points on Indiana. But his value isn't just scoring. It’s the 39% assist rate. It's the way he hounded the Washington guards into 15 turnovers. In an era of the transfer portal where teams feel like a collection of strangers, Fears makes this group feel like a family. You can see it in the way he communicates during dead balls. He’s the first one picking guys up.
Why the Defense is Different
In previous years, the Spartans got bullied inside. Not anymore. Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper have grown into a formidable "two-headed monster" at the center position. Kohler is currently averaging about 7.5 rebounds a game, and he’s finally hitting that outside shot (shooting over 37% from three).
- Gap Defense: They aren't just athletic; they’re disciplined. They don't gamble.
- The Coen Carr Highlight Reel: Carr is the X-factor. He’s 6-foot-5, but he plays like he’s 6-foot-10. His ability to switch onto any position makes the Spartan defense a nightmare to scout.
- Rim Protection: Between Cooper and redshirt freshman Jesse McCulloch, the paint is a "no-fly zone."
Teams are shooting miserably against them. It’s "old school" Izzo ball, but with better athletes.
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Recruiting is Exploding
If you think this year is a fluke, look at the 2026 recruiting class. Izzo basically went into the lab and decided he was tired of losing five-star battles. He’s already signed four Top-100 players.
- Ethan Taylor: A 7-footer from Link Academy. He’s the crown jewel. Imagine a guy that big who can actually run the floor.
- Jasiah Jervis: A scoring guard from New York. Think Gary Harris 2.0.
- Julius Avent: A physical wing who doesn't mind getting his jersey dirty.
- Carlos Medlock Jr.: The son of an EMU legend and a local kid who "gets" what it means to play in the Breslin Center.
Rankings have this class as high as No. 2 in the nation. This isn't just a "rebuild." It’s a total reload.
The Reality of the Big Ten
Look, the Big Ten is a meatball. Nebraska is somehow a Top 10 team right now. Purdue still has that "Purdue" consistency. Michigan is resurgent. Winning the conference isn't going to be a cakewalk.
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The Spartans have a brutal stretch coming up. They go to Oregon next, then host Maryland before the massive "Go Green, Wear White" game against Michigan on January 30. That Michigan game is already sold out. The atmosphere in East Lansing is the most electric it’s been since the Cassius Winston days.
People used to say the game had passed Izzo by. They said he wouldn't adapt to the portal or the NIL era. Well, he brought in Trey Fort and Divine Ugochukwu, and both have been huge rotation pieces. He’s proving that you can still build a program the "right" way while using the new tools available.
What to Watch For
Keep an eye on Kur Teng. The sophomore guard was a huge recruit who didn't play much last year because of the logjam in the backcourt. But Izzo needs shooting. If Teng can provide a consistent 8-10 points off the bench, this team has no ceiling.
The Spartans are no longer just a "tough out" in March. They are a legitimate Final Four contender. They have the veteran leadership, the elite defense, and a coach who is clearly as motivated as he was in 2000.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Monitor the injury report for the Oregon game: Specifically, check the status of the rotation wings; depth will be tested in Eugene.
- Watch the Jan 30 Michigan game: This is the litmus test for whether the Spartans can handle the pressure of being the hunted rather than the hunter.
- Track Ethan Taylor's high school stats: The future big man is having a monster senior season at Link Academy, and his development is the key to the post-Kohler era.