Michigan State had a great 2024-25 season, clinching the Big Ten regular season title and reaching the Elite Eight. Now riding the momentum, the Spartans are eyeing another national championship. With new players joining and some stars leaving, many wonder if they will be able to reach the top again in 2025-26.
Can Michigan State Bag Another Title in 2026?
Last season, Michigan State finished 30-7. They won the Big Ten regular season title by three games. Their NCAA Tournament run ended in the Elite Eight against Auburn, but it was still considered a strong year.
Now, fans are excited but cautious about 2025-26. The team lost key players like Jaden Akins and Jase Richardson, who entered the NBA Draft. Akins averaged 12.6 points per game, and Richardson, a freshman, became a starter and scored 9.3 points per game. Their departures leave big shoes to fill.
But Izzo is ready, as he has already brought in new talent. Kaleb Glenn, a 6’7″ forward from Florida Atlantic, joined the team recently. Glenn averaged 12.6 points and 4.8 rebounds last season. He’s a strong addition. Two four-star recruits, Jordan Scott and Cam Ward, also signed on.
Ward is a star forward. Both are expected to contribute right away. Other than the new addition, the returning players are also a big deal. Jeremy Fears Jr. and Coen Carr are set to step up. Fears is a point guard with great vision, he had six assists in a game last season.
On the other hand, Carr is a very capable forward; he impressed fans with his dunking skills. Sophomore Xavier Booker, a stretch forward, could be the next star for the team. Last season, he showed a lot of potential. The bench will also have great options, including Kur Teng and Jesse McCulloch.
Izzo’s track record is unmatched. He’s led Michigan State to eight Final Fours since 1999. No other program has done that in the same span. His 27 straight NCAA Tournament appearances are a record.
However, his hunger for another title hasn’t died down. His focus on teamwork and defense keeps the Spartans competitive. Last season, they beat five ranked teams in a seven-game winning streak. This aggressive play style can take them far ahead.
Nevertheless, the Big Ten will be tough. Teams like Purdue, Illinois, and Michigan are always strong. Michigan, coming off a Sweet 16 run, added transfers like Yaxel Lendeborg and Elliot Cadeau. They may become a great challenge to the Spartans.
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Nationally, teams like Duke, Houston, and Kansas are threats. The NCAA Tournament is a grind. Michigan State has reached the Sweet 16 on 22 occasions and the Final Four 10 times. But they haven’t won it all since 2000. Fans wonder if this is the year.
The Spartans’ style is their strength. They play fast, share the ball, and defend hard. Last season, they shot 50% from the field in some games. Their free-throw shooting was over 90% in key wins. With new faces and Izzo’s coaching, they could make a deep run. A Final Four isn’t out of reach.
If Booker and Fears shine, and the freshmen gel, Michigan State might lift the trophy in 2026.
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