Michigan State's Tom Izzo Reaches 17th Sweet Sixteen

Spartans head coach reflects on the significance of another deep NCAA Tournament run.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo led his team to the Sweet Sixteen for the 17th time in his career after a 77-69 win over Louisville in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Izzo emphasized the continued importance of reaching this milestone, despite his team's regular tournament appearances. Key performances from players like Coen Carr, Jeremy Fears Jr., and Trey Fort helped propel the Spartans to victory.

Why it matters

Reaching the Sweet Sixteen is a significant accomplishment in college basketball, as teams must win two tough tournament games to advance that far. For a program like Michigan State, which has become a perennial NCAA Tournament participant under Izzo's leadership, maintaining this level of success is a testament to the program's consistency and competitiveness.

The details

In the win over Louisville, Coen Carr recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Jeremy Fears Jr. dished out 16 assists, setting a new Michigan State record for most assists in an NCAA Tournament game. Trey Fort also provided a key bench contribution with 12 points, including some timely three-pointers.

  • Michigan State defeated Louisville 77-69 on Saturday, March 21, 2026 to reach the Sweet Sixteen.

The players

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, who has led the program to 17 Sweet Sixteen appearances during his tenure.

Coen Carr

A Michigan State player who recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Louisville.

Jeremy Fears Jr.

The Michigan State point guard who set a new program record with 16 assists in the NCAA Tournament game against Louisville.

Trey Fort

A Michigan State player who came off the bench to provide 12 points, including some key three-pointers, in the win over Louisville.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Nope, the Sweet Sixteens are, I guess, those are a little bit of a separator. I think getting in the [NCAA] tournament, we just kind of take that for granted at our place, and so do I, so I don't blame anybody else.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“I know one thing: it makes me sleep easier at night. I'll tell you that right now. He was beautiful to watch. It wasn't that he hit a three, and it wasn't that he made a couple of free throws: it was the rebounding and the defense.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“If I were these guys, and I was in the same breath with Mateen Cleaves or Magic Johnson or Steve Smith, that's an honor.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“He didn't come in entitled, but he definitely learned real quick entitlement doesn't work at our place. And just give him credit, man, for constantly working.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

What’s next

Michigan State will face the winner of the game between Gonzaga and UCLA in the Sweet Sixteen on Thursday, March 27, 2026.

The takeaway

Tom Izzo's ability to consistently lead Michigan State to the Sweet Sixteen, even as the tournament landscape becomes more competitive, is a testament to his coaching acumen and the program's sustained excellence. The Spartans' balanced contributions from players like Carr, Fears, and Fort demonstrate the team's depth and versatility, which will be crucial as they aim to advance even further in the NCAA Tournament.