Michigan State’s basketball program is shaping up to be a major storyline for the 2026‑27 season, with three of its players listed among the top 100 candidates for the prestigious Wooden Award.
At the top of the list, junior guard Jeremy Fears Jr. sits as the clear favorite, opening at +850 odds, a testament to the expectations surrounding his return after opting out of the NBA draft.
Joining him are forward Coen Carr, who is priced at +6000, and versatile forward Jasiah Jervis at +13000, underscoring the depth of talent the Spartans bring to the court.
A roster built for contention
The team returns nearly the entire 27‑8 squad from last season and adds a top‑five recruiting class highlighted by 7‑foot‑2 transfer center Anton Bonke, giving the roster a blend of experience and size that many analysts view as championship‑ready.
Coach Tom Izzo, now in his 30th year, has emphasized continuity, noting that the chemistry forged in the previous campaign combined with new additions creates a much stronger unit than a year ago.
The Spartans finished fourth in the Big Ten last year and fell just short of the Elite Eight, a near‑miss that has only intensified the drive to push further.
Betting markets reflect the optimism, with DraftKings offering odds that place Michigan State among the leading contenders for a national title, a narrative that resonates with fans eager for a return to the Final Four.