Looking toward the 2025-26 season, the Spartans men’s basketball feels like a return to reconstruction for head coach Tom Izzo and the program. MSU would like to make another appearance in the NCAA tournament. This past year, the Spartans dominated the Big Ten, appeared in the Big Ten tournament title, and earned a two-seed in the tournament. When the season ended, the team was six points away from its first Final Four since 2019.
Michigan State’s head coach Tom Izzo, center, talks with Xavier Booker, right, as Jaxon Kohler, left, looks on during men’s basketball media day on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at the Breslin Center in Ea… Nick King/Lansing State Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Next year, there will be new players stepping onto the court, and expectations are high for the Spartans.
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USA Today’s Spartan Wire recently made a few predictions, including season outlook, team MVP, and sixth man.
Two-thirds of the Spartans Wire staff predicted that next year’s team MVP is going to be Jeremy Fears Jr. Fears is considered to be an alpha on offense. However, there is a possibility that Coen Carr could be the team’s MVP, but he will need to improve in his shooting to earn that title. He earned the other vote.
As for the defensive player of the year, two of the three writers believe there is a chance that Coen Carr could win, considering how well his defense has improved. Incoming Samford transfer Trey Fort actually received the other vote.
Finally, when it comes to the Sixth Man, the Spartans Wire staff is united in thinking that Kaleb Glenn will take home the award. They do not find it surprising, of course, considering the amount of energy he puts into the court.
Looking toward team success, they predict a March Madness berth, staying positive from this season’s success, and having high expectations for a title run. However, the Spartans Wire staff believes this season may be a year of rebuilding as the team adjusts to Jeremy Fears Jr. and incoming freshmen Cam Ward and Jordan Scott, focusing on their development on the court.
