This past offseason was a busy one for Michigan State basketball.
The Spartans had won their 11th Big Ten title under Tom Izzo and despite that, the team lost several key players like Tre Holloman, Jase Richardson, and Xavier Booker. All three of those guys were expected to return in 2025-26, but two decided to transfer out and Richardson opted to enter the NBA draft where he was selected No. 25 overall by the Orlando Magic.
Izzo was forced to look into the portal, but there were also rumors swirling about other schools making a run at Michigan State’s other top players like Coen Carr and Jeremy Fears Jr.
Carr and Fears were asked about that at Big Ten Media Days on Thursday, and they both said that there was no question that they were returning. Playing for Izzo is something they cherish.
For Jeremy Fears and Coen Carr there was no question on if they would return to @MSU_Basketball 🥹#B1GMediaDays pic.twitter.com/7K5rennsuy
— Michigan State on BTN (@MichiganStOnBTN) October 9, 2025
When the players are all-in, that makes it easier for fans to buy in, too. Hearing Carr and Fears say that they were never considering leaving has to make fans feel better about Izzo’s program — as if anyone feels bad about it right now anyways.
Carr and Fears are going to be the most important players on the team this season, and if Michigan State is going to repeat as the Big Ten champion, it’ll be up to their growth.
The Spartans have the pieces, but having two leaders like Fears and Carr who never wavered even when it felt like the rest of the roster did is going to pay dividends in 2025-26. They believe in this team, and it feels like their teammates believe in them, too.