Michigan State Opens 2025-26 Season with Exhibition Game Against Bowling Green on Thursday Night

Season Start: Preparing for the 2025-26 Season

Michigan State University’s men’s basketball team is gearing up to begin their 2025-26 season with an exhibition game against Bowling Green on Thursday, October 23. Tip-off at the Breslin Center in East Lansing is set for 7 p.m., and this game will be broadcasted live on B1G+, providing fans with a taste of what’s to come from one of college basketball’s most storied programs.

The Spartans have traditionally started their season with exhibition games, using them as valuable practice sessions before the regular season. This year’s first game against Bowling Green is crucial for head coach Tom Izzo and his team, especially considering the significant roster turnover they are facing this season. Izzo has been at the helm of Michigan State since 1981 and enters his 31st season with the program.

Key Players and Transfers

The Spartans will face numerous challenges as they transition from last year’s successful Big Ten regular season champion to a new lineup. Three key starters, including Jaden Akins and Jase Richardson, are among those who have left the team. However, Michigan State retains several experienced players who will be pivotal in leading the way for this new season.

Notable returns include senior forward Jaxon Kohler, who started 34 of 37 games last year and averaged 7.8 points per game (ppg) with 7.5 rebounds per game (rpg). Redshirt sophomore point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., a key player for the team, will also be an important figure as he brings his leadership to the court, averaging 7.2 ppg and leading the Big Ten in assists at 5.4 apg.

Other returning players include junior forward Coen Carr, who was one of the most athletic players in college basketball last year with 8.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg, as well as senior center Carson Cooper, who contributed 5.0 ppg and 5.2 rpg.

Adding Depth: Transfers and Newcomers

To bolster their roster, Michigan State has added four transfers. Senior guard Trey Fort from Samford is expected to contribute with his strong offensive presence, leading the team in scoring last year at 14.6 ppg and adding 3.9 rpg. Junior forward Kaleb Glenn from Florida Atlantic brings valuable experience and a solid defensive presence.

The Spartans also welcome back Divine Ugochukwu from Miami, who started 16 of 28 games as a freshman and averaged 5.3 points per game and 2.3 assists per game (apg).

Additionally, graduate guard Denham Wojcik, the son of associate head coach Doug Wojcik, returns after sitting out last year following off-season surgery.

In terms of freshmen, forward Jordan Scott from Reston, Virginia, and forward Cam Ward from Largo, Maryland, are expected to make immediate contributions. Ward was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Maryland, breaking the state’s scoring record as a senior, while Scott was part of South Lakes High School’s back-to-back state champions.

Upcoming Games and Challenges Ahead

Michigan State will face two exhibition games before their regular season begins. Following the October 23 game against Bowling Green, they will travel to Connecticut on Tuesday, October 28. These games are crucial for the Spartans as they prepare for a challenging Big Ten Conference schedule.

Under coach Tom Izzo’s leadership, Michigan State has consistently been one of the top programs in college basketball over the years. The upcoming season presents both opportunities and challenges, with significant changes to their roster but also a wealth of talent ready to step up and lead the team forward.

Michigan State University Athletics