Michigan State's Tom Izzo Offers Early Thoughts on Louisville

Spartans coach comments on upcoming NCAA Tournament matchup

Mar. 20, 2026 at 7:40am

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Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo briefly shared his initial thoughts on the Spartans' upcoming NCAA Tournament Second Round opponent, the Louisville Cardinals, shortly after his team's First Round victory over North Dakota State. Izzo praised the job Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey has done in his second year with the program, noting the Cardinals shot the "daylights out of it early" in their First Round win over South Florida.

Why it matters

This early matchup between two storied college basketball programs will be a key Second Round battle in the NCAA Tournament, with the winner advancing to the Sweet 16. Izzo's comments provide an early glimpse into how he views the challenge Louisville will present for his Spartans squad.

The details

Izzo said he had not actually watched Louisville's First Round game, leaving that scouting to his assistants. However, he noted the Cardinals "shot the daylights out of it early" in their win over South Florida, and that they "are going to be a problem" for Michigan State, as "we're not over-talenting anybody." Izzo praised the job Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey has done in his second year with the program.

  • Michigan State defeated North Dakota State 92-67 in the First Round on Thursday, March 20, 2026.
  • Louisville defeated South Florida 83-79 in the First Round on Thursday, March 20, 2026.

The players

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team, who has led the program to eight Final Four appearances and one national championship.

Pat Kelsey

The head coach of the Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team, who is in his second year leading the program.

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What they’re saying

“God! Let me enjoy this (win).”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“Pat's done a hell of a job with them.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

What’s next

Michigan State and Louisville will face off in the NCAA Tournament Second Round on Saturday, March 22, 2026, with the winner advancing to the Sweet 16.

The takeaway

This early matchup between two of college basketball's most storied programs will be a tough test for Michigan State, as Izzo acknowledges Louisville's strong play and the coaching job Kelsey has done in his second year with the Cardinals. The Spartans will need to be at their best to advance past the Cardinals and into the Sweet 16.