22. Michigan State (8-2)
Tom Izzo has led the Spartans for nearly thirty years and has been an important part of this program’s history and success. He’s taken Michigan State to a handful of Final Four appearances, though it’s been a few years since his program was relevant on that national level. They haven’t exactly been pulling out high finishes in the Big Ten, a league which now has 18 members and even more competition in the NIL era.
As Michigan State did not play a game in the last week, we’re instead focusing on the big picture for the Spartans. They disappointed last season but have looked the part this year, with wins in Maui over Colorado and North Carolina and a 2-0 start to Big Ten play. Their two losses came against strong Kansas and Memphis squads and a rotation with a few new pieces is thriving on offense after a putrid start to the season.
The Spartans have shot the ball better as the season has progressed, though Izzo knows he needs even more from this lineup. Michigan State didn’t enter the year with big expectations but has the talent to compete for the Big Ten in a conference that looks more open than in recent years. The road ahead isn’t too bad before league play resumes, as the Spartans face Oakland and Florida Atlantic next week before Christmas.