Michigan State Basketball: Looking Ahead to the 2026-27 Season
The Michigan State Spartans’ 2026 NCAA Tournament run ended in a 67-63 Sweet Sixteen loss to UConn on March 27th. While a tough ending, attention now turns to the future of the program under head coach Tom Izzo, entering his 32nd season.
Departures and Key Losses
MSU will notice five players depart due to eligibility expiring: Jaxon Kohler, Carson Cooper, Trey Fort, Denham Wojcik, and Nick Sanders. Cooper and Kohler were starters in the frontcourt, leaving a void that will need to be addressed.
Returning Spartans Poised to Lead
Despite the departures, the Spartans boast a strong core of returning players. Second-team All-American point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. Is expected to return for his redshirt junior season, leading the team with 9.4 assists per game. Forward Coen Carr, a senior, will likewise be a key contributor. Other returning players eligible for the 2026-27 season include Divine Ugochukwu, Kur Teng, Kaleb Glenn, Cam Ward, Jordan Scott, Jesse McCulloch, Brennan Walton, and Colin Walton.
A Highly-Ranked Incoming Recruiting Class
Michigan State has secured a highly-touted 2026 recruiting class, currently ranked No. 2 nationally by 247Sports’ composite rankings. The class includes former Wayne Memorial standout Carlos Medlock Jr.
Projected 2026-27 Roster
Here’s a look at the Spartans’ projected roster for the upcoming season:
- F Coen Carr, senior
- PG Jeremy Fears Jr., redshirt junior
- SG Divine Ugochukwu, junior
- G Kur Teng, junior
- F Kaleb Glenn, redshirt junior
- F Cam Ward, sophomore
- F Jordan Scott, sophomore
- F Jesse McCulloch, redshirt sophomore
- F Colin Walton, redshirt sophomore
- F Brennan Walton, redshirt sophomore
UConn Advances, Faces Duke
With their victory over Michigan State, UConn (32-5) advances to the Elite Eight and will face top-seeded Duke on Sunday, March 30th. UConn was led by Alex Karaban with 17 points and Tarris Reed Jr. With 20 points in the Sweet Sixteen matchup.
FAQ
Q: How many starters are leaving the Michigan State basketball team?
A: Two starters, Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler, are leaving due to eligibility expiring.
Q: Who is returning for the Spartans next season?
A: Jeremy Fears Jr., Coen Carr, and several other players are eligible to return for the 2026-27 season.
Q: What is the ranking of Michigan State’s 2026 recruiting class?
A: The 2026 recruiting class is ranked No. 2 nationally by 247Sports’ composite rankings.
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