Tom Izzo, Michigan State Receive Head-Turning 2025-26 Prediction
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The Michigan State Spartans and head coach Tom Izzo put together a strong 2024-25 season. When all was said and done, they finished with a 30-7 record.
Entering the NCAA Tournament, Michigan State was given a No. 2 seed. Izzo was able to lead his team past No. 15 Bryant in the first round, No. 10 New Mexico in the second round, and No. 6 Ole Miss in the Sweet 16. Unfortunately, the Spartans were unable to beat No. 1 Auburn.
Despite losing in the Elite Eight, it was a successful season for Michigan State. Izzo and company have a bright outlook for the future.
Coach Tom Izzo's Michigan State Spartans are slight favorites in Friday's Sweet 16 clash with Ole Miss.
Coach Tom Izzo's Michigan State Spartans are slight favorites in Friday's Sweet 16 clash with Ole Miss.Just how bright of an outlook do they have? It's still very early, but the Spartans have received a strong prediction for next year.
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ESPN has released a new bracketology update. In that update, Michigan State was projected to be a No. 4 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That would suggest the Spartans being a potential championship contender once again.
Of course, these projections don't mean much. But, they do show a bright outlook and a national feel for what Michigan State is capable of being.
As long as Izzo is the Spartans' head coach, they are always going to have a chance. He has put together one of the best careers of all time from a college coach.
Throughout his tenure with Michigan State, which began all the way back in the 1995-96 season, Izzo has led the program to an impressive 737-302 record, which is good enough for a 70.9 winning percentage. He has also won a national championship that came back in 1999-2000 and has led six Final Four runs.
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Prior to last season's March Madness run, Izzo was asked about his future and potential retirement. He made it clear that he's not thinking about that right now.
"I don't believe you have to retire on a high note," he said.
For now, the Spartans remain a team to keep a very close eye on heading into the 2025-26 season.
Back in April, ESPN also took a look at an early top-25 ranking for all teams in college basketball. Michigan State landed at No. 21 in those rankings. The Spartans have some work to do, but Izzo leading the way should give fans and the team a lot of confidence.
For more college basketball news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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