On a recent episode of Jon Rothstein’s podcast, Michigan State legend Tom Izzo offered a candid and compelling glimpse into what he anticipates for his Spartans in 2025‑26. Amid frank commentary on the pressures of the transfer portal, NIL, and rampant tampering in college basketball, Izzo also spotlighted two players he believes are poised to make serious jumps in performance next season.
Fears and Carr: Izzo’s Two Most Intriguing Breakout Candidates
When Rothstein broached the subject of which players are preparing to ascend, Izzo didn’t hesitate:
“Well, I think those two are going to make the biggest jumps.”
The two in question: Jeremy Fears Jr. and Coen Carr a dynamic duo of sophomores returning to East Lansing with high expectations .
The Case for Jeremy Fears Jr.
Fears nevertheless stands out as a pivotal figure for the Spartans. Last season, his return post‑recovery — after being shot in the leg during his freshman year — saw glimpses of elite playmaking, finishing with averages of 7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game . His court vision and leadership were apparent, ranking him 34th nationally in assists .
Still, Izzo insists that for Fears to become a true offensive centerpiece, refinement is needed—particularly in his jump shot and scoring aggressiveness. Should he make that leap, the result could be electric: an offensive engine that commands attention and lifts the whole team .
Coen Carr’s Path to Stardom
Izzo has been equally bullish on Carr, labeling him not just “a great player,” but a future star . Carr’s sophomore stats — 8.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, on a scorching 61% shooting from the field — only scratch the surface of his potential .
Izzo and follow‑up commentary both point to Carr’s game being a highlight reel in progress: a high‑flying athlete whose midrange and perimeter skills must catch up. If they do, he could conceivably land on NBA scouts’ radars and become a force in the Big Ten—and beyond .
A Supporting Cast Poised to Elevate MSU
Izzo also praised Carson Cooper as having already made strong progress and Jaxon Kohler as steadily climbing the ranks toward All‑Big Ten impact . Experts outside the program echo that sentiment, noting that all four returners — Fears, Carr, Cooper, and Kohler — will anchor Izzo’s 25‑26 plans in the absence of last season’s departed top scorers .
Why This Matters — and What Lies Ahead
Izzo’s expectations underscore the reality of the postseason churn in the portal era: without major external additions, internal development becomes paramount. For MSU to regain “vintage” status, the onus is on these returners to embrace larger roles and elevate their games in unison across offense and defense .
Their success is interdependent—Fears must create both for himself and others, while Carr must expand his offensive toolkit. If they do, Michigan State’s identity could shift from rebuilding to reloading, with legitimate tournament hopes and conference title aspirations intact.
Final Thoughts
Tom Izzo’s message is clear and focused: for the Spartans to stay competitive in the 2025‑26 season, Jeremy Fears Jr. and Coen Carr are not just promising—they are essential. Their individual leaps could ignite a team rebounding from significant departures and deeply in need of renewed internal leadership and firepower. Keep an eye on these two as the offseason unfolds and expectations mount.