What Michigan State’s Roster Looks Like Following Jeremy Fears Jr.’s Return

The Spartans received terrific news Wednesday night when star point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. withdrew his name from the NBA Draft, officially committing himself to Michigan State for the 2026 season.

Michigan State’s floor general, who shattered the program record for most assists in a single season last year, now returns to East Lansing for another run with Tom Izzo and the Spartans.

Just hours before the massive decision that had Spartan fans, teammates, and faculty sitting on pins and needles, Michigan State also received another under-the-radar boost. Anton Bonke, the Spartans’ lone transfer portal addition and a 7-foot-2 center, also withdrew his name from the NBA Draft, officially locking himself into the 2026 season with Michigan State.

Not long before that announcement, two incoming Michigan State freshmen were selected to represent Team USA on the U19 roster. Jasiah Jervis, a dynamic guard capable of scoring from anywhere while also facilitating the offense, and Ethan Taylor, a towering 7-foot-1.5 center whose size alone changes games defensively.

As Michigan State continues dominating headlines, let’s take a look at what this loaded Spartan roster now consists of heading into the 2026 season.

The guard group instantly became significantly better the moment Fears withdrew from the NBA Draft.

As mentioned earlier, Fears’ ability to control the floor and consistently get the ball to the right shooter may be his best attribute. It’s also one of the main reasons there was a legitimate chance he could have stayed in the draft. He’s talented enough to immediately step into the NBA and make an impact at a point guard position that currently feels weaker across the league.

Instead, Fears returns to Michigan State alongside his partner in crime, Coen Carr, while also welcoming the additions of two seven-foot-plus centers. That means the Spartans’ lob attack should be in full force this season.

Fears had to take over plenty of games last year due to the lack of consistent shooting around him. However, that problem could change drastically with the addition of freshman Jasiah Jervis, a highly recruited guard who will likely slide directly into the starting two-guard spot.

Jervis has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. He possesses a high basketball IQ and already looks like a legitimate NBA-level player despite still being fresh out of high school. There’s a very real possibility Jervis becomes a one-and-done player and heads to the NBA after just one season in East Lansing. I’m not predicting it, but the talent is clearly there.

That also means Tom Izzo may need to step outside of his comfort zone and rely heavily on freshmen this season. Fortunately for Michigan State, Jervis looks more than ready for the opportunity.

Behind the two projected starters sits another interesting mix of veteran experience and young talent.

Kur Teng returns after showing flashes as arguably Michigan State’s most reliable perimeter shooter last season outside of Jaxon Kohler. While his defensive struggles were noticeable at times, his ability to consistently knock down three-pointers gives the Spartans a weapon they desperately needed.

Then there’s Carlos Medlock Jr., another highly regarded freshman guard. Medlock uses his quickness and shiftiness to create space with ease, while also possessing the ability to knock down deep shots or attack the rim. His size may create some challenges defensively, but he makes up for it with speed, confidence, and basketball IQ.

Leading this group are projected NBA Draft picks Coen Carr and Anton Bonke.

Carr returns to Michigan State after cementing himself as arguably the most electrifying dunker in college basketball. For the last two seasons, he’s exploded through arenas and television screens alike with jaw-dropping athleticism and highlight-reel finishes.

Now, he’ll once again be catching lobs from Jeremy Fears.

As unmatched as Carr’s dunking ability is, developing a more consistent perimeter shot remains the next step in his evolution. There were stretches last season where opposing teams simply refused to guard him on the outside, daring him to shoot.

Bonke should also thrive catching passes from Fears this season, stepping into a role similar to what Carson Cooper previously provided in the paint.

The power forward position could still shift before the season officially begins. Could Cam Ward earn a starting role? Absolutely. But for now, Michigan State projects to bring Ward and Jordan Scott off the bench, creating a second unit that could overwhelm opponents with energy, athleticism, and depth.

That’s where this roster becomes especially dangerous.

Michigan State has legitimate depth nearly everywhere on the floor. Add in skyscraping freshman Ethan Taylor along with fellow freshman Julius Avent, and the Spartans suddenly possess one of the youngest — yet most talented — frontcourts in the country.

Then there’s Jesse McCullough, the lone former three-star recruit in the rotation. That chip on his shoulder should continue fueling his development. McCullough saw limited minutes as a freshman last season, showing flashes of strong play, including the occasional outside shot, while also dealing with the expected freshman mistakes that come with adjusting to the college game.

With another offseason under his belt, improvement should naturally follow.

The Spartans are absolutely loaded heading into what could become a legitimate 2026 national championship run.