In an era when the transfer portal has become a revolving door and loyalty in college basketball appears to be a thing of the past, Xavier Booker has stated unequivocally that he would remain with the Michigan State Spartans.
Despite rumors of interest from Ohio State and purported behind-the-scenes efforts aiming to entice the talented forward to Columbus with the prospect of a starting spot, Booker answered with conviction. Speaking directly to Spartan fans and college basketball reporters, Booker made a stunning statement that rippled far beyond East Lansing.
“I’d rather ride the bench at Michigan State than start as an Ohio State Buckeye,” Booker told the crowd. “Here, even the tiniest function is respected. At Ohio State, I could merely get a name; at Michigan State, I’m a member of a family.”
The comment quickly went viral, appealing to supporters who have grown weary of the transactional character of modern college sports. Booker, a former five-star prospect and a key member of Tom Izzo’s 2023 recruiting class, said the decision was more about culture, dedication, and community than minutes or stats.
A Stand for Loyalty.
According to program sources, Booker was approached by intermediaries affiliated to Ohio State basketball, who purportedly offered him a guaranteed starting spot and NIL incentives. Nonetheless, the sophomore forward, recognized for his high basketball IQ and unselfish play, maintained that improvement comes not only from opportunities but also from earning them in a system that promotes integrity and teamwork.
“This is more than basketball,” Booker explained. “Coach Izzo has been honest with me since day one. He assured me that this program develops men, not just statistics. That matters to me.
His statements reflect the long-standing ideals of Michigan State basketball under Tom Izzo: toughness, accountability, and a strong sense of belonging. For Booker, who has slowly improved his game while accepting his spot off the bench, the decision was never about geography but about identity.
A message for the locker room.
Inside the Spartans’ locker room, Booker’s statement allegedly struck a nerve with teammates. Veteran leaders praised his loyalty, and one unidentified player told local media, “What X did only brought us closer. It reminds you of what it means to wear green and white.
Michigan State’s 2025-26 season is already full of expectations. The Spartans, who have a mix of experienced upperclassmen and rising underclassmen, are considered legitimate Big Ten contenders. Booker’s decision to stay—and, more significantly, how he opted to stay—might provide a significant intangible boost that does not appear on the box score.
Tom Izzo responds.
When asked about Booker’s remarks, head coach Tom Izzo grinned.
“That is Xavier. He is a warrior. He understands what this program is all about. I didn’t need to hear it to believe it, but I’m damn proud of him for saying it.
As loyalty becomes increasingly rare in collegiate sports, Xavier Booker’s outspoken stance serves as a poignant reminder that it’s not always about being the greatest name on the court—it’s about knowing where you truly belong.
For Booker, that location is and will remain Michigan State University.