Michigan State celebrated its seniors on Thursday night in what ended up being a closer game with Rutgers than many expected. A rough final two minutes resulted in the fans sitting on the edge of their seats, waiting and hoping for a Spartans win.
After the win, Izzo took the time to speak to the crowd that stuck around for the entire game, and there wasn't a dry eye in the building at the end. Izzo spoke not just about the seniors on their night, but about the team as a whole. Izzo was able to give all the seniors a chance to play on the court one final time in Breslin Center, and it almost cost the Spartans the win.
That in the end didn't matter to Izzo as his guys have put in the work throughout their entire college career to get a chance to wear the uniform and play on that court.
Michigan State HC Tom Izzo delivers a heartfelt message to the fans for sticking around for this year's seniors on Senior Night 💚 pic.twitter.com/7nWD2lHlFe
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 6, 2026
Izzo celebrated his seniors, but he also gave credit to the team as a whole, as the Spartans are 25-5 this season and are heading into March Madness with the right kind of momentum after they face off against No. 3 Michigan.
Over the last two seasons, though, Michigan State is 55-12, which is one of the best records in program history. Of course, Izzo had to end his speech with a little shade thrown at the arch rival Michigan, as these two teams will square off for the second time this season, and there is hope the Spartans can take down the Wolverines on their home court.
It was evident that Izzo was emotional at the end of the speech, knowing that it would be the final time he got to see some of his guys on that court. Izzo's emotions certainly should have the Spartan faithful wiping away tears as well because it is clear he is a head coach who truly just cares for his players.