NEW WEEK: Tom Izzo, Michigan State Receive Head-Turning 2025-26 Prediction.see more.

NEW WEEK: Tom Izzo, Michigan State Receive Head-Turning 2025-26 Prediction.see mor

🏀 The Context: A Season of Change and Continuity

Tom Izzo is entering his 31st season at MSU, with a recent record of 30–7 overall, 17–3 Big Ten, culminating in a third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance—this time as a No. 2 seed and advancing to the Elite Eight . He also tied and surpassed Bob Knight for the most Big Ten wins and tied for the most regular-season titles (11) .

But 2025–26 comes with both momentum and upheaval:

Departures

Jase Richardson and Xavier Booker moved on (Richardson to the NBA Draft, Booker to portal) .

Upperclassmen Tre Holloman and Frankie Fidler have also exited .

Key Returnees

Jeremy Fears Jr., returning from last season’s leg injury and a top-five Big Ten recruiter, is poised to run the show .

Coen Carr, seen as one of Izzo’s highest-upside players, is aiming to fulfill his star potential .

Fresh Additions

Transfer portal signings like Trey Fort, Kaleb Glenn, Denham Wojcik, and Kur Teng aim to fill scoring and depth needs on both wings .

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The Bold Prediction

The headline referred to a “head‑turning prediction” for 2025–26—namely, that this could be the season everything clicks for Izzo’s vision:

A fully recovered Fears, an ascending Carr, and seamless integration of new talent under a legendary coach known for tight defense and clutch performances.

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🔑 1. Jeremy Fears Jr.: From Return to Renowned

Fears, once sidelined by a gunshot in 2023–24, emerges as the true floor general and an All‑American candidate . He finished top in the Big Ten in assists per game (5.4) and is expected to lead the offense as the cornerstone guard, improving his jumper and confidence .

Projection: ~4–5 APG and 13–15 PPG as the engine of a revitalized offense.

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🔥 2. Coen Carr: Cannonball to Corner Threat

Carr ended 2024–25 flashing upside—athletic, efficient (61 % FG), and worth praise from Izzo as a future star . The prediction sees him evolving into a defined offensive threat, stretching defenses if his perimeter game improves.

Upside: If Carr hits 30%+ from 3 and ups his scoring to mid-teens, he could emerge as a legitimate NBA prospect .

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🧭 3. Transplants & Returnees: Finding Roles Quickly

Trey Fort (Samford transfer, ~14 PPG, 37% 3PT) provides perimeter scoring; likely to start at shooting guard .

Kaleb Glenn (scored 12.6 PPG, 41% 3PT at FAU) offers wing depth .

Denham Wojcik and Kur Teng round out guard depth, while Jaxon Kohler, Carson Cooper, and others shore up frontcourt resilience .

Role clarity—establishing defined lineups early—will be crucial in avoiding another reset year .

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🏋️‍♂️ 4. Defense & Culture: Izzo’s Immutable Blueprint

Despite roster churn, Izzo’s entire identity remains rooted in defensive rigidity and emotional leadership . They’ve avoided heavy portal reliance—MSU only added one big-time transfer in rotation—a nod to Izzo’s commitment to player development and retention .

He keeps the Spartans in the mindset of “play hard, defend harder,” a formula that historically brings them deep into March.

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📈 5. Tournament Tides: Can They Go Further?

For now, skepticism abounds—some see 2025–26 as a reset due to departures and unproven transfers . But the bold take suggests the group clicks quickly, building momentum through non-conference play and the regular season before surprising in March as an emotionally tough, experienced squad.

Final Four goal? Not out of the question—Izzo is famous for cracking up seemingly lesser teams deep into the tournament .

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🌟 Summary Table

Factor Prediction

Fears Jr. Transforms into primary playmaker; ~13–15 PPG, 4–5 APG

Carr Emerges as second scoring option; ~15+ PPG

Transfers (Fort, Glenn…) Provide shooting/stability; start asap

Role clarity Stable 5-man lineup within first month

Defense & culture Maintains tough-spartan identity

Outcome Tournament-ready; potential Final Four contender

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🔚 The Bottom Line

That “head‑turning” forecast isn’t hot air—it’s a realistic vision where:

1. Jeremy Fears Jr. rebounds fully and leads with poise.

2. Coen Carr takes a leap toward star territory.

3. Newcomers like Fort and Glenn cement roles.

4. Izzo’s defensive and emotional ethos holds firm.

Together, that mix could fire up a season that far exceeds cautious expectations—one where MSU might well re-enter the Final Four conversation. And with Izzo’s track record—27 straight NCAA bids, eight Sweet Sixteens, and nine Final Fours—raising eyebrows isn’t just hype.

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Let me know if you want a player-by-pl

ayer breakdown, non-conference schedule insights, or how MSU stacks up in the Big Ten hierarchy next season!