The Jeremy Fears Jr. Question: Will He Be Michigan State’s X-Factor in 2025-26?
There’s a buzz around East Lansing that hasn’t felt this electric in years. Michigan State basketball, already a storied program under the legendary Tom Izzo, finds itself at a tantalizing crossroads heading into the 2025-26 season. The Spartans are coming off a year that reignited belief in the Izzo blueprint: tough defense, unselfish play, and a refusal to back down. But as the new season looms, one question is on the lips of fans, analysts, and insiders alike: Is Jeremy Fears Jr. the X-factor who can elevate this team from contender to champion?
Fears, a dynamic point guard known for his court vision, energy, and defensive tenacity, enters his sophomore campaign as one of the most closely watched players in the Big Ten — and possibly in the nation. His freshman year was filled with promise and flashes of brilliance, but also moments that reminded everyone he was learning the collegiate game’s unforgiving pace. Now, with a year of experience and an offseason of development under his belt, the spotlight is firmly on Fears to deliver.
The Spark Michigan State Needs?
For Tom Izzo, who has coached elite guards like Mateen Cleaves, Kalin Lucas, and Cassius Winston, Fears represents the next in a long line of floor generals tasked with orchestrating the Spartans’ identity. What sets Fears apart is his rare blend of intangibles: he’s a natural leader with a vocal presence, a gritty defender who embraces challenges, and a pass-first mentality that gets teammates involved early and often.
During his freshman season, Fears averaged a modest 6.8 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.1 rebounds in about 22 minutes per game. But the stats don’t fully capture his impact. His ability to change the tempo, apply pressure defense, and inject confidence into those around him often swung the momentum of tight contests. Late in the season, when Michigan State was battling for NCAA tournament seeding, it was Fears who often steadied the ship in key stretches.
As Izzo put it at the team’s end-of-season banquet: “Jeremy grew so much this year — on the court, as a teammate, as a leader. He’s the kind of player who can take this program where we want to go.”
Offseason Growth
Fears spent the offseason laser-focused on elevating his game. Reports out of East Lansing suggest he’s added muscle to his frame, improving his ability to absorb contact when attacking the rim. He’s worked extensively on his jump shot, especially from three-point range — an area where consistency eluded him during his freshman campaign.
Assistant coaches have praised his dedication. “Jeremy’s first in the gym, last to leave. He knows what’s expected of him, and he’s embracing that challenge,” said one member of the staff. There’s also been a noticeable uptick in his confidence as a vocal leader during practices and scrimmages — a sign that he’s ready to take ownership of the team.
Why He’s the X-Factor
The Big Ten is, as always, stacked with talent and physicality. For Michigan State to separate itself from the pack, they need someone who can break down defenses, control tempo, and make clutch plays — the exact areas where Fears can thrive. His defense alone makes him invaluable, as his ability to harass opposing guards could be key in close, grind-it-out Big Ten matchups.
Moreover, Fears’ ability to set up teammates will be critical in unlocking the full potential of Michigan State’s offense. With a roster featuring versatile wings, a skilled frontcourt, and shooters who can space the floor, the Spartans need a conductor who can make the pieces fit seamlessly. If Fears can push the pace when needed and slow it down to execute in half-court sets, Michigan State will be tough to beat.
Perhaps most importantly, Fears has the kind of competitive fire that Izzo-coached teams thrive on. He hates to lose — and that edge, that refusal to settle, could be the intangible that lifts Michigan State above the fray.
The Stakes
For Michigan State, the 2025-26 season carries weight beyond just wins and losses. Tom Izzo, now in his third decade at the helm, is hungrier than ever for another national title. The program has the depth, talent, and experience to make a deep run. But history shows that championship teams almost always feature a guard who can rise to the moment when it matters most.
Jeremy Fears Jr. has the chance to be that player. He has the tools. He has the trust of his coaches and teammates. Now it’s about execution, poise under pressure, and taking the next step.
The Road Ahead
As the season tips off, fans in East Lansing will watch closely as Fears commands the floor at the Breslin Center and beyond. Early matchups against top non-conference foes will provide a litmus test for just how far he’s come. By March, the hope is that Fears will not only have answered the question of whether he’s the X-factor — but will have proven himself as one of the premier point guards in all of college basketball.
There’s no doubt the buzz in East Lansing is real. And if Jeremy Fears Jr. delivers, it could be the spark that lights the path to another banner hanging high in the Breslin rafters