Tom Izzo Reveals Unexpected Spartans Poised for Breakout Season — You Won’t Believe Who Made the List!

As the countdown to the 2025-26 college basketball season ticks away, Michigan State’s hardwood warriors are gearing up for yet another shot at glory. Tom Izzo, the man whose name is nearly synonymous with Spartan basketball excellence, isn’t leaving anything to chance. He’s zeroed in on four pivotal leaders—Jeremy Fears Jr., Coen Carr, Jaxon Kohler, and Carson Cooper—expecting nothing less than elevated performances to steer the team forward. With last year’s roster turnover shaking things up, these captains aren’t just figureheads; they’re the backbone on which Izzo plans to rebuild a championship-caliber squad. The buzz? If these four ignite, the Spartans could roar even louder than before. Best of all, fans don’t have long to wait—kickoff against Colgate is set for November 3 at the Breslin Center, promising a season packed with anticipation and fierce competition. LEARN MORE

Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo identified four team captains as key to the team’s success this season.
The four captains are Jeremy Fears Jr., Coen Carr, Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper.
Izzo stated that if these players perform at a higher level, the team will be better.
The Spartans will open their 2025-26 season against Colgate on November 3.

If Michigan State basketball is going to have another strong season, head coach Tom Izzo knows who needs to step for the Spartans.

With the season just a few weeks away, Izzo held a preseason press conference on Thursday afternoon to discuss his team and how he believes things could shape up this season. Izzo led the Spartans to a Big Ten title and Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament last year, but a good number of key contributors off last year’s team are now gone. So when Izzo was asked on who could have a breakout season this year, he pointed to his four team captains: Jeremy Fears Jr., Coen Carr, Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper.

“I think each one of them has to perform at a higher level,” Izzo said (quote courtesy of Detroit News report Connor Earegood). “If they do, we’ll be a better basketball team. If they don’t, coach didn’t do his job”

The four players Izzo named in the quote above are critical pieces for the Spartans this upcoming season, with all four expected to start and/or play critical minutes off the bench. So, the quote from Izzo is actually pretty straight forward because Michigan State will rely on those four guys to lead and be their top players if they are going to contend again for a Big Ten championship this season.

Michigan State will open the 2025-26 season on November 3 against Colgate. Tipoff from the Breslin Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and the game will be available to watch via streaming on Big Ten Plus.

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