Michigan State bolsters its roster with top recruits and returning stars, aiming for a championship run with a revamped depth chart.
One of the most controversial offseasons to date has landed us here.
Late April. There’s still room for more, but the roster is pretty much set. The players are accounted for, and despite some late magic flair, the Spartans will host two five-star recruits, nine four-star recruits, and one three-star recruit heading into next season.
The NFL Draft is getting underway, the weather is finally shifting for the better, bringing sunny days, budding flowers, and cherry blossom trees peaking in their white beauty. Spring has sprung, and summer waits in the wings.
Times like these bring out the sound of bouncing basketballs—echoing for miles from downtown cities to backyard rural courts. When kids are forced off their tablets and told to experience the outside world, their glazed-over eyes always seem to find a basketball lying nearby. The sun reflects perfectly off the rim, creating that irresistible shine that makes anyone want to start dribbling and shooting.
And despite the changing weather, the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament, and the long wait until next season, Spartan Nation is already salivating at the thought of a championship run.
So why not take a dive into what this depth chart could look like?
Projected Starters
G – Jermey Fears Jr. The best point guard in the Big Ten. The Michigan State program leader in assists per season. Second-most assists in a single season in Big Ten history. A Wooden Award nominee. Fears is returning for another year in green and white. Though he declared for the draft, he’s retaining his collegiate eligibility and is expected to return to Tom Izzo for one final run at a national title.
G – Jasiah Jervis This freshman gives the Spartans two five-star recruits in the backcourt. The 6’5” guard is one of the most talented players in his class, averaging 18/6/5 on 52% shooting while earning New York Player of the Year honors. On the EYBL circuit, he put up 16/4/2 while shooting 36% from three on five attempts per game. Jervis recently jumped Illinois’ Quentin Coleman to secure five-star status in 247Sports’ composite rankings.
F – Coen Carr Another Spartan likely headed to the NBA. Like Fears, Carr declared for the draft while maintaining eligibility, giving him the chance to learn from scouts and refine his game. His athleticism is unreal—he can jump out of the gym—but continuing to develop his left-handed shot will be key to proving he’s more than just a highlight dunker.
F – Kaleb Green The Florida Atlantic transfer suffered a torn patellar tendon in a non-contact offseason injury, keeping him sidelined all year. Now fully healthy, Green should step into the role he was expected to thrive in and remind Spartan fans why he was such a key portal addition.
C – Anton Bonke The newest Spartan completely shifted the mood of the fanbase. Bonke shouldn’t carry the burden of being the missing piece to a title, but his arrival filled a desperate need. At 7’2”, he brings elite size and a major presence to the frontcourt, instantly changing the dynamic inside.
Bench Rotation
G – Carlos Medlock Jr. Medlock takes over as the backup point guard—a major reason behind Divine Ugochukwu’s departure. If you’re unfamiliar with his game, consider this: a player who went 11-1 as a starter left because of Medlock’s arrival. His explosiveness, creativity, and toughness stand out every time he touches the floor.
G – Kur Teng Teng returns as the backup shooting guard, though this role could shift. He came up clutch in key moments, especially late in the season. While he couldn’t lock down the starting role early last year, he carved out an important bench presence. His three-point shooting was the best on the team and often kept MSU afloat during scoring droughts.
F – Jordan Scott Scott started the final 13 games at the two-guard spot and made the most of it. He delivered multiple double-digit scoring performances and consistently played suffocating defense. His lockdown effort against probable lottery pick Keaton Wagner was a defining moment. Scott has earned a starting role, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he claims one early in the season.
F – Cam Ward Ward’s physicality and rebounding made an immediate impact—something Tom Izzo always values. Despite early freshman mistakes and a wrist injury setback, Ward’s relentless energy never wavered. He’ll compete for the starting power forward spot and will play meaningful minutes regardless.
C – Ethan Taylor Another highly touted freshman, Taylor stands at 7’1.5” and is still growing. Alongside Bonke, he gives Michigan State one of the tallest frontcourts in program history. While he may not see heavy minutes right away, his talent could quickly earn him a larger role.
Final Spots
F – Julius Avent Avent, part of the nation’s third-ranked recruiting class, is a versatile and athletic wing. He can score in multiple ways, defend at a high level, and bring physicality on both ends. While his role may start small, his upside is undeniable.
C – Jesse McCullough The lone three-star recruit plays above his ranking. McCullough earned Izzo’s trust by stepping up in key moments, especially when foul trouble hit the frontcourt. He rebounds well, can stretch the floor, and consistently proves doubters wrong. With added competition in the frontcourt, he’ll need to keep grinding—but that’s nothing new for him.
As it stands, this is what the Spartans’ roster looks like.
It’s not built on heavy transfer portal reliance. It’s not filled with eight-year veterans. It’s not constructed with massive NIL spending.
It’s a Tom Izzo team through and through—and it looks dangerously close to being a top-four team in the nation.