Michigan State Men's Basketball Begins Exhibition Season Against Incarnate Word

During halftime, the women's basketball team will be introduced to the audience.

Michigan State concluded the 2025-26 season with a 27-8 overall record, finishing 15-5 in the Big Ten Conference, which tied them for second place. The Spartans secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the 28th consecutive year, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen for the second straight year and the 17th time under Head Coach Tom Izzo, who has been part of the program for over 40 years. The team ended the season ranked No. 11 in the Associated Press Top 25.

The Spartans will need to fill the void left by six departing letterwinners, including starting center Carson Cooper and forward Jaxon Kohler. Cooper averaged 11.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 26.8 minutes per game, while Kohler was recognized as an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention with averages of 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds.

Key returning players include senior point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., a First Team All-Big Ten selection and the 2026 Preseason National Player of the Year, and senior forward Coen Carr, who averaged 12.0 points and 5.4 rebounds last season. Fears led the team in scoring with 15.2 points per game and assists with 9.4 per game, ranking first in both categories in the Big Ten and nationwide.

The Spartans have also added graduate center Anton Bonke, a 7-2, 270-pound player from Charlotte, who averaged 10.6 points and 8.3 rebounds last season. Bonke, initially from Vanuatu, has a diverse athletic background, excelling in international rowing and open-water swimming.

Michigan State's freshman class features four players ranked among the top-100 nationally by 247Sports. This includes forward Julius Avent, guard Jasiah Jervis, guard Carlos Medlock Jr., and center Ethan Taylor, making it one of the top classes in the country.

Notably, the exhibition match will feature brothers on opposing coaching staff, as MSU associate head coach Doug Wojcik matches up against his brother Dave, who is the associate head coach at Incarnate Word.

Michigan State will play a total of three exhibition games this year, including this match against Incarnate Word, followed by a game against UConn on October 20, and another at Marquette on October 25.

Incarnate Word is coming off a 2025-26 season with a record of 12-19, including 7-15 in the Southland Conference. Fourth-year head coach Shane Heirman leads a team that has seen a significant roster turnover, featuring new transfers and one returning player, junior guard Drew Barbee.

Overall, the upcoming game marks an exciting start to the exhibition season for both teams, showcasing emerging talents and coaching dynamics.