Michigan State may not have been able to end the regular season with a big win over the Michigan Wolverines, but that doesn't mean this Spartans team isn't geared up and ready to go for the NCAA Tournament.
Before the loss to Michigan, the Spartans were riding a five-game win streak and building the right kind of momentum for March. While Michigan State may not have the most talented roster, there is one person who makes a difference for this team, and UNC great Justin Jackson knows who it is.
On The Field of 68 podcast, Jackson joined the show and spoke about Michigan State's loss to Michigan, but he pointed out what makes the Spartans so dangerous in March.
"I wouldn't say this is a top 10 team," Jackson said. "But when you throw Tom Izzo in there as the coach, the identity he has, he's got this team playing as a top 10 team, bigger picture, this isn't a team I want to see in the tournament."
ICYMI: @JJacks_44 on Michigan State 👀
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 9, 2026
“I wouldn’t say their roster is a top 10 roster… but when you add Tom Izzo, their culture, identity and system, they’re playing like a top 10 team. That’s a team I wouldn’t want to see in the tournament.”
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Justin Jackson knows the value that Tom Izzo brings to Michigan State
Izzo has been coaching for a very long time, and he knows how to produce winning teams and special players. Jackson knows that Michigan State may not have the most talented roster, but with Izzo as their head coach and how he shapes his teams, this is a one team that many won't want to see in March.
The Spartans won't have to play many games in the Big Ten Tournament as Michigan State earned the all-important triple-bye. That will keep them fairly fresh for the NCAA Tournament, which they will most likely have a favorable seed for.
Izzo has all the experience going into the tournament, and he is the reason Michigan State will be able to go far, as he has built his team to last.