“People were playing to win instead of for ego.” That statement explains exactly why Tom Izzo’s Spartans are through to the Sweet Sixteen! Michigan State has been brilliant this year, barring their Big Ten tournament exit. Their roster, though unassuming, has bought in completely to the vision that Izzo has.

And we can see exactly what that vision is! MSU has a few set goals–they’re quick in transition, they drive in a lot more than their opponents, and they’re not scared of getting fouled! Not to mention, their defense is top-notch. The Spartans crash the boards hard, trying to create second-chance plays, and apply good on-ball pressure. We saw all of that against an energetic New Mexico team, and more. However, their Sweet Sixteen matchup might actually turn out to be a rematch!-

For Tom Izzo, this March Madness run isn’t just about adding another trophy to his illustrious career—it’s about rewriting a narrative that’s haunted him since that 2019 Final Four loss to Chris Beard’s Texas Tech. Since that defeat, Izzo has reached the Sweet Sixteen multiple times but hasn’t returned to the Final Four, a drought that stings for a coach with a 1999-2000 national championship and eight Final Four appearances under his belt. In 2025, with a team that’s exceeded expectations and a Big Ten record of 17-3, Izzo sees a golden opportunity to reclaim his place among the NCAA’s elite—and silence doubters who question whether his old-school methods can still triumph in the modern era of college basketball.​

On College Hoops Today with Jon Rothstein, the show host discussed the context behind Ole Miss vs MSU this season. “Ole Miss and Michigan State is not exactly a rematch of the 2019 Final Four. But in the 2019 Final Four, the last time Michigan State made it, Ole Miss obviously, their head coach Chris Beard was the head coach of Texas Tech. So there is a history of those two coaches in the NCAA Tournament.” He said, reminding fans of a heartbreaking loss in the Final Four.

The last time Beard and Izzo met in the Big Dance, the former Texas Tech coach pulled off an amazing 10 point victory. It was a hard-fought game, but the Red Raiders’ three-point shooting saved them. There’s a similar setup in Ole Miss this year, with shooters like Sean Pedulla and Jaylen Murray providing heavy backup from beyond the arc. However, Izzo’s team can’t be taken lightly either!

Rothstein pointed out how MSU’s victory over New Mexico was quite impressive for one particular reason–Jase Richardson. The six-foot-three guard has been a sniper from three this season, but he only converted one field goal against the Lobos. Even without him, the team pulled through, which is an amazing sign for Izzo and his methods. This year, however, the Sweet Sixteen showdown is being overshadowed by the transfer portal buzz. What does Tom Izzo have to say about it? Let’s find out!

Tom Izzo expresses confidence in his Spartans amidst transfer portal drama

The NCAA community is buzzing right now! More than 1100 athletes entered the transfer portal after it opened on Monday, and people can’t stop talking about it. However Tom Izzo, a coach firm on his beliefs, had very little to say about MSU’s off-season plans right now.

On Tuesday, the Spartans head coach sat down for a press conference ahead of his Sweet Sixteen showdown. And when a reporter asked about the transfer portal? He turned the spotlight towards his squad, rather than potential replacements. “I got fifteen, sixteen guys that have just accomplished something that hasn’t been done much in my career,” He said. “First of all, we’ve never won 17 Big Ten games. Second of all, to be 17-3 in a league that is this good and only have three losses is phenomenal.”

The MSU head coach brought up how his team has given him everything they had in the tank. They bought into his system, kept up with their academics, and gave it their all on the hardwood floor. How can a coach consider replacing his unit so easily? However, he did have some choice words for the current transfer portal and NIL practices in typical Izzo fashion.

“There’s not a lot of recruiting done in the transfer portal.” The Spartans head coach said. “It’s offering. There’s no recruiting, it’s paying.” Which makes sense. Programs spend millions on players nowadays, and the prices are only going up! Gone are the days of recruiting athletes, giving them a reason to come to your school. Nowadays, they flock towards the money.

Tom Izzo has something to prove against the Rebels, and we can’t wait to see it! The Spartans system can definitely go all the way this year. If the coach manages to win a championship in his thirtieth season, there’s no doubt that he’ll go down in the pages of history as a hero! Against Ole Miss, that foundation will face its toughest test yet.