MSU Freshman Guard's Role Looking to Expand

Michigan State guard Jordan Scott has impressed in his early action during the preseason.

Michigan State's Jordan Scott passes the ball against Bowling Green during the second half on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Michigan State Spartans have played two exhibition games before the 2025-26 season begins, winning one and dropping the other. 

MSU beat Bowling Green last week and lost to UConn earlier this week. The team learned valuable lessons about who they are and who they want to become. 

Tom Izzo is still working out his rotations this season, as he is largely unfamiliar with how these players will mesh on the court. The Spartans are without several key contributors from last year’s Elite Eight team, so it might take some time for things to jell. 

As a result, some players could earn bigger roles heading into the season. If they impress in exhibition games, they’re likely to work just as hard during the regular season. 

Michigan State's Jordan Scott shoots a layup during the first day of basketball practice on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

One of those players is freshman guard Jordan Scott. The youngster from Virginia has looked good through the team’s scrimmages, and he might be working his way up the depth chart, where he was not previously considered to have a big role. 

Jordan Scott's role

Scott formed a two-man 2025 recruiting class with forward Cam Ward, and the two will eventually be major contributors for Izzo’s squad. However, that could happen sooner rather than later because of how Scott has played. 

Michigan State's Cam Ward grabs a rebound against Bowling Green during the second half on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Scott scored six points against the Huskies earlier this week, knocking down a three-pointer and getting to the basket for an and-one. He has shown an advanced ability to see the court and has not been afraid to take shots when open. 

The Spartans’ guard depth is solid, as Trey Fort and Kur Teng will hold down the shooting guard spots. However, if the team wants to run out a big lineup, Scott makes sense as a big two-guard. 

Michigan State's coach Tom Izzo heads to the locker room before the game against Bowling Green on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. / Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

At the same time, Scott is 6-foot-7, so he should be able to play the three in certain lineups. With Kaleb Glenn out because of a torn patellar, his presence becomes more important as the team must find ways to shore up wing depth. 

Feb 23, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls forward Kaleb Glenn (1) reacts after a three point basket against the Memphis Tigers during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images / Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

Scott has impressed early on, despite many thinking he would not have a role until a year or two down the line. If his shooting and inside scoring continue to develop, he will be a key player off the bench for this Spartan squad.

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