The Spartans’ Resurrection: How Izzo Defied the 'End of an Era' Prophecy

Do you remember the mood in East Lansing last summer? It wasn’t just quiet; it was funereal. The narrative wasn’t whispered; it was shouted from every podcast and preseason analysis: "The window has closed."

And honestly, could you blame them? The roster had been gutted. Jaden Akins graduated. Xavier Booker, the five-star hope, packed his bags for UCLA. The transfer portal seemed to be a one-way door: exit only. (Even the most optimistic fans were bracing for a 'transition year', code for 'maybe the NIT if we're lucky'.)

Fast forward to February 2026. The Spartans are 19-3, ranked inside the Top 10, and Tom Izzo is once again looking like the smartest man in the room. How did this happen? How did a team stripped of its verified stars turn into a juggernaut? The answer lies in a story of patience, a bullet-proof point guard, and a refusal to play by the new rules of college basketball.

The Exodus That Wasn't Fatal

To understand the magnitude of this comeback, you have to look at what was lost. In modern college hoops, losing your top three scorers usually means a death sentence for the following season. When Booker left for the West Coast, it felt like the final nail. The "talent drain" was the headline.

But sports, as we love to be reminded, aren't played on spreadsheets. While the pundits were mourning the departures, Izzo was handing the keys to a player who had already survived much worse than a roster turnover: Jeremy Fears Jr.

The General takes Command

Jeremy Fears Jr. isn't just a point guard; he is the heartbeat of this resurrection. His journey—from the terrifying shooting incident in 2023 to becoming a Bob Cousy Award contender—is the stuff of movies. But let's focus on the basketball.

This season, Fears hasn't just managed the game; he has dominated it. Averaging nearly 15 points and 9 assists, he has turned a group of role players into a symphony. He didn't need to be the highest recruit on the floor; he just needed to be the toughest. (And in the Big Ten, toughness travels.)

"Their loyalty to me has gotta be my loyalty to them. And loyalty still frickin' matters." – Tom Izzo, on why he didn't panic-buy a new roster in the portal.

This quote, dropped after the demolition of Kentucky earlier this season, is the thesis statement of the 2025-26 Spartans. While other programs were renting mercenaries, Izzo doubled down on the guys who stayed. He bet on Jaxon Kohler taking a leap. He bet on Coen Carr finding a jump shot. He won both bets.

The Data: Expectation vs. Reality

Let’s look at the numbers, because they paint a picture of a team that simply refused to regress.

The 'Anti-Portal' Blueprint?

What makes this comeback so surprising isn't just the wins; it's how they are winning. In an era where roster continuity is nonexistent, Michigan State is succeeding with development. Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper were role players; now they are one of the most formidable frontcourt duos in the conference.

This team proves that chemistry can still beat compiled talent. The recent loss to Michigan—a heartbreaker where they erased an 18-point deficit only to fall short late—showed their flaw (sometimes the hole is too deep), but it also showed their character. They don't quit.

Is this sustainable? Can Izzo really keep winning with "his guys" in a world of free agency? For now, the scoreboard says yes. And as March approaches, a team that was supposed to be watching from the couch is looking dangerously like a team that could cut down the nets.