Jaxon Kohler makes powerful statement ahead of Michigan State’s 2025-26 season

There aren’t many people as excited about the return of Michigan State basketball as Jaxon Kohler.

The senior big man just had his best season as a Spartan and played the most minutes of his career while winning the Big Ten title (by three games) and making a run to the Elite Eight.

A sour taste was left in his mouth after that loss to Auburn, mostly because it felt like the Spartans were a team of destiny, and they were beaten by a squad of 24 and 25-year-olds. It felt like the special season came to a disappointing end because the Spartans should have played better, but the Tigers just had more experience.

Now, Kohler is motivated to return to the big stage.

And according to him (via Jake Lyskawa of On3), he’s the most motivated he’s ever been in his life.

You can read Lyskawa’s entire paywall article on On3, but that quote says it all. Kohler has the motivation he needs to take that next step, and he’s not the only one who feels this way. Tom Izzo has even said that he’s more motivated than ever after how last season played out. His program got back to the top of the Big Ten and was in line to potentially win a national title before Auburn bounced the Spartans in the Elite Eight.

Now, the veteran Spartans want to get back. The four captains have the experience necessary to lead the transfer class as well as the freshmen to the big stage.

Kohler is going to be at the center of the national title push.

The senior big man averaged 7.8 points and 7.5 rebounds as a junior, and he’s drawn attention from some big names this offseason like Jon Rothstein who picked him as a breakout candidate.

Don’t be surprised if Kohler is flirting with a double-double average this season. That won’t matter to him unless Michigan State makes another deep run in March, though.