BREAKING NEWS: Spartan Basketball Stars Jaxon Kohler, Jaden Akins, and Carson Cooper Return for 2025–26 Season — A Massive Boost for Michigan State
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN — Michigan State basketball fans received a major jolt of excitement Tuesday morning as three of the team’s most impactful players — Jaxon Kohler, Jaden Akins, and Carson Cooper — officially announced their return for the 2025–26 season. In an era where college athletes are increasingly tempted by transfer offers and professional opportunities, the trio’s decision to stay in East Lansing is being hailed as a program-defining moment for the Spartans.
The announcement came in a joint social media video, shared across their platforms and retweeted by the official Michigan State Basketball account. Set to an emotionally charged instrumental score, the video featured footage of each player’s highlight moments from the previous season, mixed with voiceovers saying: “This is home. This is unfinished business. We’re not done yet.”
💪 Key Players Returning
Jaxon Kohler had a breakout season last year, becoming a reliable scoring option in the post while showcasing improved rebounding and perimeter defense. He averaged 7.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, including a career-high 23-point, 10-rebound performance in a statement win over Illinois. His combination of size, skill, and IQ gives Michigan State a versatile frontcourt weapon who can stretch defenses and anchor key possessions.
Jaden Akins flirted with the NBA Draft and reportedly drew interest from multiple Power Five programs via the transfer portal, but the athletic wing ultimately decided that one more season under Tom Izzo was the right move. Akins averaged 11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season and is known for his elite on-ball defense, transition scoring, and ability to knock down clutch threes.
Carson Cooper, the 6-foot-11 center, has developed steadily in Izzo’s system and is expected to play a bigger role this year. His rim protection, rebounding, and pick-and-roll defense have made him a fan favorite. Cooper’s return helps Michigan State retain size and toughness in the paint — a critical area for competing against Big Ten frontcourts.
🧠 The Izzo Effect
Credit for this major win goes in large part to Tom Izzo, who has repeatedly emphasized culture and continuity over chasing the transfer portal carousel. Despite increasing retirement speculation and his recent appointment as co–interim Athletic Director, Izzo has made it clear that his passion for coaching is still alive.
“This program isn’t just about basketball — it’s about belief,” Izzo said in a recent media appearance. “And I believe in these guys as much as they believe in me.”
His message seems to have landed.
The return of these three leaders gives the Spartans a rare mix of experience, size, athleticism, and locker-room cohesion that’s hard to find in modern college basketball. It also sends a message to recruits and opponents alike: Michigan State is serious about competing at the highest level.
🏀 Expectations Skyrocket
With Kohler, Akins, and Cooper leading the way — alongside emerging talent like Jeremy Fears Jr. and incoming recruits — Michigan State is now widely expected to begin the 2025–26 season in the top 10 of preseason rankings. Some analysts are already calling the Spartans a Final Four dark horse, with the tools, toughness, and leadership to make a deep run.
As the video concluded, the screen flashed three words that Spartan Nation won’t forget anytime soon:
“We’re Not Done.”