Michigan State University basketball's top transfer addition, Kaleb Glenn, suffered a patellar tendon injury and will miss the 2025–26 season, the program announced Monday.
Glenn was considered a natural fit for MSU, which was looking to replace Jaden Akins and others on the wing. Without him, the Spartans now face a difficult challenge in forming a lineup capable of competing with the top teams in the Big Ten.
The 6-foot-7 forward from Florida Atlantic averaged 12.6 points per game and shot 41% from three last season, providing the kind of shooting the Spartans desperately needed after finishing last in the Big Ten in three-point percentage.
"I feel terrible for Kaleb and for his family but we will be with them throughout this process," MSU men's basketball head coach Tom Izzo said. "It's awful that this just happened a few weeks after he got here in East Lansing and was working out with the guys and getting to know them. In just a short time with us since he committed, we have really enjoyed having him and his family a part of our program. We're going to do everything that we can to support him and get him back on the floor."
This offseason, MSU ranks No. 62 nationally in transfer portal additions, according to On3 — the third-lowest among Big Ten teams. The conference has brought in significant talent, with Washington, Michigan and USC ranking third, fourth and fifth, respectively. Seven Big Ten programs rank inside the top 20.
The Spartans added four players through the portal this spring and summer: Glenn, Samford guard Trey Fort, Miami guard Divine Ugochukwu and Denham Wojcik, the son of assistant coach Doug Wojcik.
Sophomore Jeremy Fears Jr. is expected to run the point, with senior Fort at shooting guard. After a breakout season, Coen Carr is likely to start at power forward, while Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler will continue to share minutes at center.
The biggest question mark lies at the wing — where Glenn was projected to contribute heavily. Incoming freshmen Cam Ward and Jordan Scott excelled at small forward and guard in high school, but both lack the size and experience to make an immediate impact at the Big Ten level.
Sophomore guard Kur Teng is expected to see more minutes this season with Jase Richardson and Tre Holloman no longer on the roster. Teng, the top-ranked player out of Massachusetts in his class, played limited minutes last year, mostly in late-game situations or non-conference matchups.
Teng may come off the bench behind Fort and Fears Jr., but he’ll need to improve on the 21% shooting mark he posted last season.
One possible lineup adjustment could feature Carr, Kohler and Cooper together in a rebound-heavy, inside-focused set. Carr averaged 20.8 minutes per game in 2024–25 and shot 33% from three in limited attempts. With his ability to slash, rebound and help in the backcourt, Carr could help fill the gap left by Glenn’s absence.
Defense may be MSU’s biggest concern entering the fall, especially with key contributors like Richardson, Akins and Holloman no longer in East Lansing. Without Glenn — who was expected to provide steady two-way play — the Spartans will need significant growth as they enter Tom Izzo’s 31st season.
The loss of Glenn is a major blow — but the Spartans still have options as they look to retool heading into a pivotal season.
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