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Tom Izzo Calls Out NCAA Transfer Portal Policy After MSU Loss
The Michigan State head coach criticized the NCAA's transfer rules following his team's Sweet 16 defeat.
Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:49pm
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After Michigan State's loss to UConn in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, head coach Tom Izzo criticized the NCAA's transfer portal policy, saying he plans to go directly to his own locker room to talk to his players about their futures rather than looking to the broader transfer market.
Why it matters
Izzo's comments highlight the growing debate around the NCAA's transfer rules, which have made it easier for players to switch schools but also created challenges for coaches trying to build consistent rosters. As one of college basketball's most respected figures, Izzo's criticism could add momentum to calls for reform of the transfer system.
The details
Michigan State lost a close 67-63 game to UConn in the Sweet 16 on March 27. After the game, Izzo was asked about his plans for next season, and he used the opportunity to take aim at the NCAA's transfer portal policy. Izzo said he plans to go directly to his own locker room to talk to his players about their futures, rather than looking to the broader transfer market. He expects to have 7-8 players back next season, along with a strong freshman class.
- The Michigan State-UConn game was played on March 27, 2026.
- The game ended after midnight ET on March 28, 2026.
The players
Tom Izzo
The 71-year-old head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team, who has led the program for over 25 years and won a national championship in 2000.
UConn Huskies
The No. 2 seed men's basketball team from the University of Connecticut, who defeated Michigan State in the Sweet 16 round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Michigan State Spartans
The No. 3 seed men's basketball team from Michigan State University, who lost to UConn in the Sweet 16.
What they’re saying
“Tomorrow I'm going to the portal. The only difference is the portal at Michigan State is different than the portal at most places. I'm going right to my fricking locker room, and I'm going to talk to each and every player right there. I'm going to make some decisions about what we're going to do that I feel very comfortable with.”
— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans
“I'm the luckiest guy in the world. I'm just not lucky enough to be playing on Sunday. I'll get to play on another Sunday. Hang around.”
— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans
“The minute I don't feel good, the minute I don't feel like I'm giving my AD or president or school every ounce of energy I have every day or that energy drops, you don't have to worry about it. I don't steal money. I won't steal anybody's time.”
— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans
What’s next
UConn will face No. 1 seed Duke in the Elite Eight on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
The takeaway
Izzo's criticism of the NCAA's transfer portal policy highlights the ongoing debate around player mobility and roster stability in college basketball. As one of the sport's most respected figures, his comments could add momentum to calls for reform of the transfer system.
