Junior point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. will shoulder heightened expectations from head coach Tom Izzo. Last season, the All-American Fears averaged 15 points per game and a Division I-leading 9.4 assists.

With the hype surrounding a player like Fears after such an elite season, Izzo is challenging his point guard on the defensive side of the ball. Izzo called Fears an “elite defender” last season and believes he can add on to his defensive presence.

“I think I am putting pressure on him to be the defensive player of the year in our league,” Izzo told reporters on Wednesday. “I think he has that capability; I think he has that energy. In fairness, last year we played him a lot of minutes, and that is not fair. This year he will get some breaks, but I think both the fast break and his pressure defense are going to improve strongly.”

Senior forward Coen Carr has never given a reason to question his athleticism or defense; the question has been whether he is going to become a respectable shooter and initiator. After jumping from 8 points per game in 2024-25 to 12 points per game last year, Izzo said Carr is a much more polished version of himself, and has noticeably improved over the summer.

“His ability to put the ball on the floor has tripled,” Izzo said. “He’s been a lot more aggressive, shooting it better, and his mid-range has improved. The ability to handle the ball, pass the ball and take the ball to the basket has improved a lot.”

Junior guard Kur Teng was in the guard rotation for MSU last season, bringing an excellent 3-point shot, which he shot at a 38.1% clip. Teng has the most experience of any shooting guard at MSU and said he's ready to take the jump as a leader.

“It can’t always be Jeremy (Fears) and Coen (Carr),” Teng said. “I want to be that next guy to step up and help lead the team as well.”

Sophomore forward Jesse McCulloch has had “just as good a summer as anybody,” said Izzo. With the departures of Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler, McCulloch -- who appeared in 28 games last year and averaged 2.2 points per game -- will begin the season in the starting rotation.

McCulloch brings a shooting ability at the center position that the Spartans otherwise lack. Izzo said McCulloch has gotten better every year so far and exemplifies the process and progression that is lacking in most other places.

McCulloch saw teaching new centers, senior Anton Bonke and freshman Ethan Taylor as an enjoyable thing for him.

“It’s fun being a leader; it’s fun learning from what Coop and Jax gave me last year,” McCulloch said. “Just to be in their roles and filling their shoes is super fun, and I am enjoying it.”

Michigan State will debut its 2026-27 roster with an exhibition matchup vs. Incarnate Word at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2 at Breslin Center.