Michigan State Men’s Basketball Prepares for the 2026-27 Season Under Tom Izzo
The Michigan State Spartans enter the 2026-27 college basketball season returning five of their top seven scorers from a 27-8 campaign that ended in the Sweet Sixteen, according to bustingbrackets.com. Head coach Tom Izzo prepares his roster following an offseason that featured key roster retention, a significant transfer addition, and a demanding schedule leading up to the 2027 Final Four in Detroit, as reported by lastwordonsports.com.
Last season concluded with a 27-8 record, a tie for second place in the Big Ten behind rival Michigan, and a close postseason loss to UConn in the Sweet Sixteen. While seniors Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler departed due to graduation, the program retained critical upperclassmen and brought in fresh talent through both the transfer portal and a four-man freshman class.
Jeremy Fears Jr. Leads the Backcourt as a Senior
Guard Jeremy Fears Jr. returns for his senior year after testing the NBA draft waters during the spring, according to lastwordonsports.com. Joining him in the backcourt is sophomore Jordan Scott, a former top-60 recruit who averaged 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds last season and is expected to step into an expanded starting role. Freshman Carlos Medlock Jr., a four-star point guard, adds depth as a secondary ball-handler behind Fears.
Frontcourt Additions and Returning Starters
Senior forward Coen Carr returns to the starting lineup after averaging 12.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in his previous season. Sophomore Cameron Ward also returns to the frontcourt rotation after chipping in 5.1 points and 4.2 rebounds in limited minutes off the bench as a freshman. To offset frontcourt departures, Michigan State secured 7-foot center Anton Bonke via the transfer portal. Bonke averaged 10.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game last season as a starter at Charlotte, following prior stints at Eastern Arizona College and Providence.
High-Profile Non-Conference Schedule and Big Ten Road Tests
The Spartans face a challenging non-conference slate featuring an exhibition game against Marquette in Milwaukee and a matchup with UConn, per lastwordonsports.com. The schedule continues with a regular-season opener against Quinnipiac on November 2, followed by the Champions Classic in Chicago against Duke. Additional marquee matchups include a true road game at Tennessee, neutral-site games against Arkansas in Detroit and Gonzaga in Palm Springs, an annual meeting with Oakland, and a home game against Penn. In Big Ten play, Tom Izzo’s squad will travel for road games against Maryland, Nebraska, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, USC, and UCLA, while hosting Purdue and Wisconsin in East Lansing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Spartans
Who are the new freshman additions joining Michigan State for the 2026-27 season?
The four-man freshman class features point guard Carlos Medlock Jr., standout shooter Jasiah Jervis, 6-7 wing Julius Avent, and newcomer Ethan Taylor, along with former team manager Matthew Watkins joining the active roster, according to lastwordonsports.com.
Which player transferred into the program for the frontcourt?
Anton Bonke transferred to Michigan State as the team’s primary portal addition. The 7-2 center comes to East Lansing after averaging 10.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game as a starter for Charlotte during the previous season.
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