Michigan State basketball is coming off a Big Ten title and an Elite Eight run—its deepest tournament push since the days of Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman. Tom Izzo reminded the world that his name still belongs in the national conversation. But with the departures of Jaden Akins, Tre Holloman, and the surprisingly early exit of freshman Jase Richardson, a new challenge has emerged: who steps into the spotlight?
Enter Jeremy Fears Jr., the sophomore point guard with Spartan DNA and a chip on his shoulder the size of the Breslin Center.
The question circling around Spartan Nation this summer is simple:
Can Jeremy Fears Jr. become a double-digit scorer and the leader Izzo needs to keep Michigan State on the national map?
Let’s dive in.
—
The Promise Interrupted
When Jeremy Fears Jr. first committed to Michigan State, he was seen as a prototypical Izzo floor general—tough, selfless, gritty. A player who would dive on loose balls, call out defensive coverages like a linebacker, and ignite fast breaks before the opponent knew what hit them.
But tragedy struck before his story could fully begin.
In December 2023, Fears was shot in the leg during a visit home, an incident that not only sidelined him for the majority of his freshman campaign but robbed him of a crucial offseason for development. The injury, both physically and mentally, left questions about his trajectory.
Yet in limited action last season, Fears showed flashes of the promise that made him a top-50 recruit. He wasn’t a scoring machine—but his instincts, court vision, and energy were impossible to ignore.
Now, with a full summer of health and training ahead of him for the first time since high school, the pressure is on to evolve from “spark plug” to “go-to guy.”
—
The Need for Scoring
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Michigan State needs points, and they need them fast.
Jaden Akins and Jase Richardson combined for over 25 points per game last season. Tre Holloman was a steady hand in the backcourt. All three are gone.
There are promising freshmen coming in and talented wings returning, but without a consistent scoring threat at point guard, the Spartans risk becoming stagnant in half-court sets. That’s where Fears comes in.
He averaged just under 5 points per game last season in limited minutes. Can that jump to 10 or more this year? That’s the million-dollar question.
But it’s not just about putting up points—it’s about how he does it.
—
Can He Score Without Changing His Identity?
Fears isn’t wired to be a high-volume scorer. He’s a true “team first” point guard—pass-first, defend-first, lead-first. But that doesn’t mean he can’t or shouldn’t develop a scoring toolkit.
In fact, he has to if Michigan State wants to stay in the Big Ten title hunt.
Tom Izzo won’t expect him to suddenly become Cassius Winston, but he will need Fears to at least pose a threat offensively. That means hitting open jumpers. That means finishing through contact at the rim. That means knowing when to push the tempo and when to call his own number.
There are signs he can do it. He’s already excellent in transition. He can break down defenses with the dribble. And once he gets into the paint, his vision allows him to pick apart defenders. Add in a consistent floater or mid-range jumper, and suddenly Fears becomes dangerous.
But perhaps most importantly, he needs to shoot the three ball at a respectable clip. Last year, defenders sagged off him. They dared him to shoot. That can’t happen in 2025-26.
—
The Work Ethic Factor
Every summer, there’s at least one college player who makes “the leap”—a transformation so significant, it changes the course of a season. Coaches say it all the time: “players are made in the offseason.”
For Jeremy Fears Jr., this summer is everything.
By all accounts, he’s locked in. He’s working with trainers, rehabbing, rebuilding, and repurposing his body to withstand a full Big Ten grind. There’s a hunger in his approach now that mirrors other Izzo greats who have overcome adversity.
The best part? He’s not trying to prove anything to scouts or draft boards.
He’s trying to prove something to himself—and to Spartan Nation.
—
Leadership Beyond the Stat Sheet
Even if Fears only averages 9-10 points per game, his real value may show up in ways that don’t hit the box score.
He’s vocal. He’s passionate. He doesn’t back down. Those qualities elevate everyone else around him. When you’re trying to win the Big Ten with a roster full of new faces, that’s gold.
Look at every successful Tom Izzo team:
Mateen Cleaves
Drew Neitzel
Kalin Lucas
Cassius Winston
Each one brought something unique to the table, but they all had one thing in common: they commanded the room. Fears has the potential to be the next in line.
—
What If It All Clicks?
Let’s play the “what if” game for a moment.
What if Jeremy Fears Jr. becomes a 12-points-per-game guy who also dishes out 6 assists and locks down opposing guards?
What if he starts knocking down open threes and attacking closeouts with confidence?
What if the Spartans ride his leadership and emotion back to another deep tournament run?
Suddenly, Michigan State goes from “rebuilding” to reloading.
That’s not far-fetched. In fact, it’s the exact formula that built Izzo’s legacy—tough-minded guards, unselfish basketball, and players who grow up fast under pressure.
—
Final Thoughts: It’s His Time Now
Fears Jr. might not have had the freshman season he envisioned. But life rarely sticks to the script.
Now, with the keys to the offense and the full trust of Izzo and his teammates, the road ahead is his to own.
Whether he becomes a 10-point-per-game scorer or more, one thing is clear: Michigan State’s success in 2025-26 hinges heavily on Jeremy Fears Jr.’s growth.
If the offseason work pays off—and the confidence comes with it—Spartan fans might just be looking at the next great floor general in green and white.
And if that happens?
Don’t be surprised if Michigan State is playing deep into March once again.
Michigan State basketball is coming off a Big Ten title and an Elite Eight run—its deepest tournament push since the days of Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman. Tom Izzo reminded the world that his name still belongs in the national conversation. But with the departures of Jaden Akins, Tre Holloman, and the surprisingly early exit of freshman Jase Richardson, a new challenge has emerged: who steps into the spotlight?
Enter Jeremy Fears Jr., the sophomore point guard with Spartan DNA and a chip on his shoulder the size of the Breslin Center.
The question circling around Spartan Nation this summer is simple:
Can Jeremy Fears Jr. become a double-digit scorer and the leader Izzo needs to keep Michigan State on the national map?
Let’s dive in.
—
The Promise Interrupted
When Jeremy Fears Jr. first committed to Michigan State, he was seen as a prototypical Izzo floor general—tough, selfless, gritty. A player who would dive on loose balls, call out defensive coverages like a linebacker, and ignite fast breaks before the opponent knew what hit them.
But tragedy struck before his story could fully begin.
In December 2023, Fears was shot in the leg during a visit home, an incident that not only sidelined him for the majority of his freshman campaign but robbed him of a crucial offseason for development. The injury, both physically and mentally, left questions about his trajectory.
Yet in limited action last season, Fears showed flashes of the promise that made him a top-50 recruit. He wasn’t a scoring machine—but his instincts, court vision, and energy were impossible to ignore.
Now, with a full summer of health and training ahead of him for the first time since high school, the pressure is on to evolve from “spark plug” to “go-to guy.”
—
The Need for Scoring
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Michigan State needs points, and they need them fast.
Jaden Akins and Jase Richardson combined for over 25 points per game last season. Tre Holloman was a steady hand in the backcourt. All three are gone.
There are promising freshmen coming in and talented wings returning, but without a consistent scoring threat at point guard, the Spartans risk becoming stagnant in half-court sets. That’s where Fears comes in.
He averaged just under 5 points per game last season in limited minutes. Can that jump to 10 or more this year? That’s the million-dollar question.
But it’s not just about putting up points—it’s about how he does it.
—
Can He Score Without Changing His Identity?
Fears isn’t wired to be a high-volume scorer. He’s a true “team first” point guard—pass-first, defend-first, lead-first. But that doesn’t mean he can’t or shouldn’t develop a scoring toolkit.
In fact, he has to if Michigan State wants to stay in the Big Ten title hunt.
Tom Izzo won’t expect him to suddenly become Cassius Winston, but he will need Fears to at least pose a threat offensively. That means hitting open jumpers. That means finishing through contact at the rim. That means knowing when to push the tempo and when to call his own number.
There are signs he can do it. He’s already excellent in transition. He can break down defenses with the dribble. And once he gets into the paint, his vision allows him to pick apart defenders. Add in a consistent floater or mid-range jumper, and suddenly Fears becomes dangerous.
But perhaps most importantly, he needs to shoot the three ball at a respectable clip. Last year, defenders sagged off him. They dared him to shoot. That can’t happen in 2025-26.
—
The Work Ethic Factor
Every summer, there’s at least one college player who makes “the leap”—a transformation so significant, it changes the course of a season. Coaches say it all the time: “players are made in the offseason.”
For Jeremy Fears Jr., this summer is everything.
By all accounts, he’s locked in. He’s working with trainers, rehabbing, rebuilding, and repurposing his body to withstand a full Big Ten grind. There’s a hunger in his approach now that mirrors other Izzo greats who have overcome adversity.
The best part? He’s not trying to prove anything to scouts or draft boards.
He’s trying to prove something to himself—and to Spartan Nation.
—
Leadership Beyond the Stat Sheet
Even if Fears only averages 9-10 points per game, his real value may show up in ways that don’t hit the box score.
He’s vocal. He’s passionate. He doesn’t back down. Those qualities elevate everyone else around him. When you’re trying to win the Big Ten with a roster full of new faces, that’s gold.
Look at every successful Tom Izzo team:
Mateen Cleaves
Drew Neitzel
Kalin Lucas
Cassius Winston
Each one brought something unique to the table, but they all had one thing in common: they commanded the room. Fears has the potential to be the next in line.
—
What If It All Clicks?
Let’s play the “what if” game for a moment.
What if Jeremy Fears Jr. becomes a 12-points-per-game guy who also dishes out 6 assists and locks down opposing guards?
What if he starts knocking down open threes and attacking closeouts with confidence?
What if the Spartans ride his leadership and emotion back to another deep tournament run?
Suddenly, Michigan State goes from “rebuilding” to reloading.
That’s not far-fetched. In fact, it’s the exact formula that built Izzo’s legacy—tough-minded guards, unselfish basketball, and players who grow up fast under pressure.
—
Final Thoughts: It’s His Time Now
Fears Jr. might not have had the freshman season he envisioned. But life rarely sticks to the script.
Now, with the keys to the offense and the full trust of Izzo and his teammates, the road ahead is his to own.
Whether he becomes a 10-point-per-game scorer or more, one thing is clear: Michigan State’s success in 2025-26 hinges heavily on Jeremy Fears Jr.’s growth.
If the offseason work pays off—and the confidence comes with it—Spartan fans might just be looking at the next great floor general in green and white.
And if that happens?
Don’t be surprised if Michigan State is playing deep into March once again.
