Tom Izzo walks into the 2025-26 season facing one of his biggest roster puzzles in years. Every single double-digit scorer from last year’s Elite Eight run is gone, leaving the Michigan State Spartans without their proven offensive weapons.
For a program built on consistency and veteran leadership, that kind of wholesale departure would normally spell trouble. But Izzo isn’t panicking. Instead, he’s betting everything on four familiar faces to carry the load.
Despite Positive Michigan State Outlook, One Analyst Doubts Spartans’ Shooting
The Michigan State Spartans enter the 2025-26 campaign without a single returning player who averaged double figures in scoring during their Elite Eight run.
The departures of Jaden Akins and Jace Richardson, combined with Tre Holloman’s transfer to NC State, stripped Izzo’s offense of its most reliable contributors.
Facing this challenge, Izzo has turned his attention to a quartet of returning players: Jeremy Fears, Jaxon Kohler, Coen Carr, and Carson Cooper. These four will need to anchor both sides of the ball for Michigan State.
CBS Sports insider Jon Rothstein broke down the situation on the network’s College Basketball YouTube channel. He called the Spartans “consistent under Tom Izzo” but acknowledged they’re entering the season without a primary scorer.
“That leaves Izzo looking at a nucleus of returning players with great promise,” Rothstein said. “In the backcourt, Jeremy Fears returns, while Jaxon Kohler, who could elevate from a supporting Big Ten role to an All-Big Ten player in the 2025-26 season, anchors the frontcourt.”
Fears brings the most intriguing combination of potential and experience. The former five-star recruit averaged 7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 2024-25, ranking 34th nationally in assists. Despite shooting just 39.7% from the field, his leadership and court presence earned praise from the coaching staff throughout the season.
Meanwhile, Kohler represents the team’s best interior option after missing early portions of last season with injury. He posted 7.8 points, 7.5 rebounds (tied for 91st nationally), and 1.3 assists in 2024-25 while shooting 51.9% from the field.
His ability to provide consistent scoring and rebounding in the paint will be crucial for Michigan State’s success in conference play.
The supporting cast brings energy and athleticism to complement the backcourt and frontcourt leaders. Carr and Cooper both contributed solid production, with Cooper finishing among the top three players on the roster in blocks per game.
How Will Michigan State’s New Additions Impact the Scoring Shortage?
Cooper enters the 2025-26 season as a steady presence in the paint after a productive sophomore campaign. He averaged 5.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game while shooting an efficient 59.8% from the field.
Playing over 150 total minutes, Cooper established himself as a reliable finisher and rebounder. As one of Izzo’s key returning pieces, he’s positioned to take on an expanded role in the frontcourt.
Carr brings a different skill set to the equation. He averaged 8.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 2024-25 while shooting 61.1% from the field. His athleticism and high-energy style make him a natural fit for a bigger role in Izzo’s system.
Recognizing the need for additional firepower, Izzo addressed the scoring losses through the transfer portal. Trey Fort, who connected on 37.9% of three-pointers at Samford, gives Michigan State a much-needed perimeter threat. Jordan Scott and freshman Cam Ward round out the group of newcomers expected to absorb significant minutes and pressure.
However, the Spartans still face an uphill battle when compared to their Big Ten rivals. The conference landscape presents significant challenges, with Purdue bringing back multiple proven scorers and adding Will Berg as Zach Edey’s successor.
Michigan has also reloaded with elite recruits, creating a competitive environment where early projections place Michigan State outside the conference’s top three.
The program’s success hinges on how quickly the core four players can develop chemistry and expand their roles. If Fears can effectively run Izzo’s system at an accelerated pace and Kohler maintains consistency in the paint, the Spartans have the foundation to exceed expectations.
But if early-season chemistry issues arise, Michigan State risks falling behind in what promises to be a highly competitive Big Ten race.
