Jeremy Fears Jr. entered his name into the 2026 NBA Draft last month, deciding to test the waters and get some feedback. He left the idea of returning to Michigan State open and no one really expected him to stay in, but Tom Izzo just wiped away any doubt.
Michigan State fans weren’t all that worried that Fears wouldn’t return, and Izzo reassured them that they shouldn’t be.
During recent media availability with SpartanMag, Izzo said that he’s happy with how “upfront” Fears has been throughout the process, going even further by saying that he thinks that Michigan State is “in a good spot” to get him back for at least one more year.
With the NBA Draft combine on tap, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo expects Jeremy Fears to be back..
— SpartanMag.com (@TheSpartanMag) May 8, 2026
“He’s been really upfront, really good about it. I think we’re in a good spot.”
(On3+): https://t.co/nxKn1DVqVs @Pkonyndyk
Obviously this is great news for Michigan State even thought it was expected. This is the type of update that we have all been hoping for with Fears and it’s nice to hear it from the source that would know the most about the situation outside of Jeremy and his family.
No one was really expecting Fears to remain in the draft with no appearances on mock drafts through two rounds, but with one more elite season, he’s going to be an NBA prospect at this time next year.
Fears just wrapped up an All-Big Ten season with Michigan State where he broke school records for single-season assists and would have broken the conference record if not for Braden Smith.
Jeremy Fears Jr. will be a legit National Player of the Year candidate
Assuming Fears returns like we all (including Izzo) expect, he’s going to be a legitimate National Player of the Year candidate which will be the Spartans’ first legit candidate since Cassius Winston.
Fears led college basketball in assists for most of the season and he improved on the offensive end by averaging over 15 points per game, but if he can add a 3-point shot, he’s going to be a legitimate National Player of the Year candidate.
Izzo needs him if he’s going to make his first Final Four run since 2019. He has all the tools to be the next elite point guard in East Lansing.
Izzo has already compared Fears to Mateen, now he needs to prove that he’s the next great PG1.
I’d say he’s well on pace and his return will also mean national title contention. He’s the best point guard in America and Michigan State has a contending roster. The 2026-27 team is going to be special and it’ll be led by Fears.
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