Michigan State fans got some “unfortunate” news on Friday afternoon as Jeremy Fears Jr. entered the 2026 NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility, and you can already assume that there was panic on social media over the decision.
The sophomore point guard is fresh off an All-American season and he decided to take that next step and declare for the NBA draft on Friday, surprising almost no one who’s familiar with the process.
Still, he thanked Tom Izzo, his teammates, the staff, and his family for believing in him, posting a heartfelt message on his Instagram.
Michigan State sophomore guard Jeremy Fears Jr. has declared for the NBA Draft while keeping his college eligibility.
— Emmett Matasovsky (@E_Matasovsky57) April 10, 2026
Fears will be able to get feedback from league scouts before making a decision on staying in the draft or returning to MSU.
Notably, he did not hit the portal. pic.twitter.com/2ygcL90TMq
Fears had an elite sophomore season with Michigan State and he’s looking like the Spartans’ next great point guard and players who fit that description under Tom Izzo usually experience major team success. Mateen Cleaves, Kalin Lucas, and Cassius Winston all made Final Fours and won Big Ten titles — Mateen won the national title in 2000.
Many believe that Fears is next on that list, but no need to worry about his draft declaration. He basically mentioned in his note that this is an important step for his journey.
The All-American is using this as an opportunity to get feedback, improve, and come back as a junior with goals of winning it all and improving his draft stock. He’s not leaving Michigan State and he will be back to lead the Spartans next season.
No need to worry, folks.
Jeremy Fears Jr. has some unfinished business
Fears is famous for telling Izzo during a huddle that he wants to win more than the Hall of Famer. He has a love for the game that you can’t teach and he always wants to be the best at what he does, so you can bet that he’s not leaving college basketball before giving it his best shot at a national title run.
Seeing his biggest rival win it all a year after sweeping them had to hurt, and he’s so competitive that he’s going to do everything in his power to follow Michigan’s title with one of his own.
Fears has already won a Big Ten title, he’s been first-team All-Big Ten, he’s received All-American honors, he’s made a Sweet 16, an Elite Eight, and he led the nation in assists per game so he doesn’t have a ton left on the Spartan career checklist, but that national title is priority No. 1.
The All-American will be back after receiving feedback from the NBA.