Michigan State Basketball Primed for March Madness Run

Veteran frontcourt, breakout freshmen, and star point guard have Spartans poised for deep NCAA Tournament push

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Michigan State basketball is projected as a 2 or 3 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, exceeding preseason expectations. The Spartans are led by a veteran frontcourt duo of Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper, breakout freshman Jordan Scott, and star point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. - who is among the national leaders in assists. Despite a recent Big Ten Tournament loss, there are several reasons to believe Michigan State can make a deep March Madness run.

Why it matters

Michigan State basketball has a storied history of success under coach Tom Izzo, but this year's squad has surpassed most preseason projections. With an experienced frontcourt, emerging young talent, and a floor general in Fears, the Spartans have the pieces to potentially make a Final Four push and contend for the program's 3rd national championship.

The details

The Spartans' senior frontcourt duo of Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper have been dominant, with Kohler a double-double threat and Cooper providing a boost on both ends. Freshman Jordan Scott has emerged as an energetic two-way player, while redshirt sophomore Jeremy Fears Jr. is among the national leaders in assists and has taken a major leap as the team's floor general and leader. Despite a Big Ten Tournament loss, Michigan State has the talent and experience to make a deep NCAA Tournament run.

  • Michigan State will learn its NCAA Tournament seeding on Selection Sunday (March 16, 2026).
  • The Spartans lost in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on March 15, 2026.

The players

Jaxon Kohler

A senior forward who has been a dominant presence in the paint for Michigan State, earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors.

Carson Cooper

A senior center who has seen his production and defense improve significantly this season, providing a strong complement to Kohler in the frontcourt.

Jordan Scott

A freshman forward who has emerged as an energetic two-way player, earning praise from coach Tom Izzo for his hustle and lockdown defense.

Jeremy Fears Jr.

The redshirt sophomore point guard is among the national leaders in assists and has taken a major leap as the team's floor general and leader.

Tom Izzo

The veteran head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, known for his success in March and ability to get the most out of his teams.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Spartans will await their NCAA Tournament seeding and matchup, which will be revealed on Selection Sunday (March 16, 2026).

The takeaway

Michigan State has exceeded expectations this season and has the veteran leadership, emerging young talent, and star power to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. If the Spartans can build on their strong regular season, they could be poised for a Final Four appearance and a chance at the program's 3rd national championship.