“Next Man Up: Who Must Step Up for Michigan State Basketball With Kaleb Glenn Out?”
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over Izzo’s legendary career, it’s this: Spartan basketball never folds. They fight. They adjust. And they reload.
So the big question now becomes — who steps up? The Spartans didn’t build their reputation on excuses, and with Glenn sidelined, the opportunity is wide open for someone to rise.
Here’s a deep dive into the players who must now grab the moment, carry the load, and ensure Michigan State stays on course.
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1. Coen Carr: The High-Flyer Must Take Off
Let’s start with the name that’s going to be talked about the most: Coen Carr.
Carr is no stranger to highlight reels. His jaw-dropping dunks, defensive versatility, and natural explosiveness make him one of the most intriguing young wings in college basketball. But with Glenn out, Carr’s role goes from “rotation energy guy” to potential starter and defensive stopper.
He has all the tools to fill Glenn’s shoes — maybe even more. Carr might not have the same experience Glenn was bringing from Louisville, but what he lacks in polish, he more than makes up for with hustle and upside.
What Carr needs now is consistency. The minutes will be there. The defensive assignments will be tougher. He’ll be called upon to rebound, run the floor, and guard multiple positions. If he can improve his shooting touch and play smart within Izzo’s system, Carr could turn Glenn’s injury into his personal breakout.
> “I think Coen’s got it in him,” Izzo said last season. “He’s just got to slow down a little and let the game come to him.”
Now? The game’s coming at him fast.
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2. Jaden Akins: Time to Be That Guy
Jaden Akins has always been seen as the “X-factor” in Michigan State’s backcourt. With Tyson Walker gone, this season was already supposed to be a major leap for Akins. Glenn’s absence just adds to the urgency.
Akins will need to take on a leadership role, both vocally and by example. He has the smooth jumper, the athleticism, and the two-way potential to be the kind of do-it-all perimeter player that the Spartans will now lean heavily on.
He’s no stranger to pressure — he’s hit clutch shots before and made defensive plays when it mattered most. But this is different. This is sustained responsibility, not just highlight moments. If Akins can average 14–16 points per game, be the top perimeter defender, and occasionally crash the boards like Glenn would’ve, Michigan State’s season will stay on track.
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3. Xavier Booker: It’s Time to Grow Up Fast
Let’s be real — Xavier Booker has the skillset to be a pro. The question is, can he put it all together this season?
With Glenn out, Booker becomes even more important as a frontcourt player who can stretch the floor, defend wings in switches, and bring length that bothers opponents. He’s a natural 4, but in small-ball lineups, Izzo might need him to slide to the 3 occasionally.
That’s not a small ask. But if Booker has been working on his lateral movement and decision-making, he could be the surprise answer to a problem no one expected this early.
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4. The Newcomers: Chance for a Freshman to Shine
Every year, someone unexpected steps up for Izzo.
This year, all eyes turn to the incoming freshmen — particularly Kur Teng and Jesse McCulloch. While neither was projected to be a day-one starter, injuries change things fast in college basketball.
Kur Teng is a shooter. A flat-out scorer with a quick release and a confident approach. If he can find ways to contribute defensively and earn Izzo’s trust, he could soak up valuable minutes on the wing, spacing the floor and keeping defenses honest.
Jesse McCulloch, on the other hand, is more of a big with stretch potential. But in today’s positionless game, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Izzo experiment with bigger lineups that feature McCulloch in hybrid roles.
It’s a stretch — but then again, so was Draymond Green once.
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5. Izzo’s Challenge: Coaching Wizardry Needed Again
Let’s not forget the man at the center of it all — Tom Izzo.
Izzo’s greatest strength isn’t just game planning. It’s culture. It’s development. It’s maximizing talent when things look uncertain.
Without Glenn, he’ll need to get creative. He’ll play matchups. He’ll test new rotations. He’ll challenge his players in practice and in press conferences. And more often than not, he gets results.
Fans might remember when key players like Denzel Valentine, Gary Harris, or even Cassius Winston took massive leaps — sometimes when the team needed it most. This is another one of those seasons.
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6. What This Means for the Spartans’ Ceiling
Glenn’s injury doesn’t mean Michigan State is out of the Big Ten race or a deep NCAA Tournament run. Far from it.
But it does mean the road got bumpier.
The Spartans now need one or two unexpected contributors to emerge. The margin for error is slimmer. Games that once looked like easy wins might become grind-it-out battles. And the coaching staff will have to manage minutes more carefully to avoid fatigue and further injuries.
Still — this team is built tough. Malik Hall is gone, yes. So is Walker. But the core of Akins, Carr, Booker, Hoggard, and a hungry group of newcomers means MSU is still loaded with talent. Glenn’s loss hurts. No doubt. But it also opens the door for someone’s story to be rewritten.
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Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just a Setback — It’s an Opportunity
Injuries are cruel, and losing Kaleb Glenn stings deeply. He was supposed to be a difference-maker. But Michigan State has been here before. And if there’s one truth in East Lansing, it’s that the Spartans always rise.
This isn’t just about who steps in for Glenn. It’s about who embraces the moment. Whether it’s Carr throwing down thunderous dunks, Akins turning into a two-way star, or Booker realizing his full potential — someone’s about to surprise the nation.
And if you’ve followed Spartan basketball long enough, you know: it’s always the next man up. It’s always about the fight.
Let the fight begin.
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What do you think, Spartan Nation? Who’s going to step up the most with Kaleb Glenn out? Drop your predictions.
in the comments, share this with fellow fans, and let’s ride this season out together — Spartan Strong.
