What Would Have Changed With MSU If Izzo Didn't Return

MSU's legendary coach had no plans to leave, but some things would have changed if he did.

Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo watches during the first half of the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Spartans are set up to become one of the best teams in college basketball this season, and most of that is in part to their legendary coach, Tom Izzo, and the things he has done and will continue doing for the team.

He provides consistency when the team hits slumps, helping it reach its full potential, even amid chaotic events like those unfolding with Michigan State's athletic department over the past few days.

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

All of this has been expected by Spartans fans since Izzo has shown no signs of leaving the team for retirement or anything else, but in a world where he somehow did not return, many things would have been different.

More specifically, two things would have been vastly different for the team in a bad way instead of the good he is bringing: Jeremy Fears Jr.'s return to the team rather than pursuing the NBA, and the preseason hype.

Jeremy Fears Jr. Without Tom Izzo

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo talks with guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) during the second half of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball East Regional game against UConn at Capital One Arena in Washington DC on Friday, March 27, 2026. Michigan State lost the game 67-63. | Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

• Pretty simply put, Fears Jr. is one of the most important pieces the team has, and without him, there would likely have been a short rebuilding season before the team would be ready to truly compete for a championship.

• The Spartans would have been good, but not great. They do have Fears Jr. back, mainly because of one thing: Tom Izzo coming back to coach for MSU yet another year.

Legendary Michigan State University men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo is also one of the greatest male athletes to hail from the Upper Peninsula. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

• He would likely have pursued the NBA had Izzo not returned, and the program would have had a hard time finding someone to lead their system this season without him.

• So it should be kept in mind that Izzo has done a really good thing in continuing his long-standing tenure with the Spartans, because he won't be around forever to keep the program thriving.

The Hype Is Lowered Without Izzo

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts after losing to UConn Huskies in a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

• Once again, the Spartans have a lot of merit that comes to the team because of Izzo, which attracts both media attention and fan hype and, in turn, gives the team more and more motivation to play to win.

• If Izzo were not to come back, the hype for the team would likely go down significantly, which is good for no fan or team member, and would have to be earned back the hard way throughout the season.

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

• So, MSU has another year with great hype because of Izzo, and will continue to do so for many years to come, should nothing drastic happen.