### Spartans Gear Up for Crucial Big Ten Clash: Three Key Players to Watch in Michigan State vs. USC
East Lansing, MI – As the calendar flips to 2026, the No. 9 Michigan State Spartans (12-2, 2-1 Big Ten) return home to the Breslin Center for a high-stakes matchup against the No. 24 USC Trojans (12-2, 1-2 Big Ten) on Monday night. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET, and the game promises to be a pivotal early-season conference battle. Both teams enter with identical overall records but contrasting conference starts—Michigan State riding a wave of momentum after a strong non-conference slate, while USC looks to rebound from a recent 96-66 drubbing at the hands of No. 2 Michigan.<grok:render card_id=”d98558″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Under legendary head coach Tom Izzo, now in his 31st season, the Spartans have established themselves as a defensive powerhouse, allowing just 62.7 points per game while boasting a +15.2 scoring margin.<grok:render card_id=”3216f5″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Their offense, averaging 77.9 points, has been efficient, shooting 46.1% from the field.<grok:render card_id=”474ca6″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> USC, meanwhile, brings a potent attack led by their transition game and perimeter shooting, but they’ve struggled defensively in Big Ten play, giving up over 76 points per contest in losses.<grok:render card_id=”0b992f” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> This game marks the first meeting between the two since USC joined the Big Ten in 2024, adding an element of unfamiliarity despite the conference realignment.
For Michigan State to extend their three-game home winning streak and solidify their position in the crowded Big Ten standings, they’ll need standout performances from their core contributors.<grok:render card_id=”a0e5dd” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> With a roster blending veteran leadership and emerging talent, the Spartans’ success hinges on balanced scoring and tenacious rebounding. Here, we spotlight three key players who could tip the scales against the Trojans: senior forward Jaxon Kohler, junior guard Jeremy Fears Jr., and junior forward Coen Carr. These athletes not only lead the team in scoring but embody the grit and versatility that define Izzo’s program.<grok:render card_id=”361126″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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#### Jaxon Kohler: The Dominant Force in the Paint
At the top of Michigan State’s scoring charts stands Jaxon Kohler, a 6-9 senior forward from American Fork, Utah, who has evolved into one of the Big Ten’s premier big men.<grok:render card_id=”1d24f8″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Averaging 14.1 points per game through the first 14 contests, Kohler has been a revelation, shooting an impressive 54.4% from the field and 51.0% from beyond the arc—a rare combination for a player of his size.<grok:render card_id=”076b01″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> His rebounding prowess is equally vital, pulling down 10.4 boards per outing, including 3.7 offensive rebounds that often lead to second-chance points.<grok:render card_id=”822695″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Kohler’s journey to stardom hasn’t been without hurdles. As a freshman in 2022-23, he battled injuries, appearing in just 12 games. But under Izzo’s tutelage, he’s bulked up to 240 pounds and refined his post moves, drawing comparisons to former Spartan greats like Draymond Green for his all-around impact. This season, he’s added a reliable three-point shot, hitting 26-of-51 from deep, which stretches defenses and creates driving lanes for teammates.<grok:render card_id=”96d032″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Against USC, Kohler’s role will be crucial in neutralizing the Trojans’ frontcourt. USC boasts athletic forwards who thrive in transition, but they’ve been vulnerable inside, allowing opponents to shoot 48% on two-pointers in recent games.<grok:render card_id=”f85ffe” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Kohler’s ability to dominate the glass—Michigan State ranks top-10 nationally in rebounding margin—could limit USC’s fast breaks and provide the Spartans with extra possessions.<grok:render card_id=”1df354″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Expect him to exploit mismatches in the post, where his footwork and soft touch around the rim could lead to a double-double performance. If Kohler controls the paint, Michigan State will dictate the tempo, turning this into a half-court grinder where their defense shines.
Beyond stats, Kohler’s leadership sets him apart. As a senior, he’s vocal in huddles, mentoring younger bigs like freshman Cam Ward. Izzo has praised his work ethic, noting in a recent presser, “Jaxon’s the heart of this team—he plays with fire every night.” In a game where physicality will be key, Kohler’s intensity could be the difference-maker.
#### Jeremy Fears Jr.: The Maestro of the Offense
No discussion of Michigan State’s key players is complete without Jeremy Fears Jr., the 6-2 junior point guard from Joliet, Illinois, who orchestrates the Spartans’ attack with poise beyond his years.<grok:render card_id=”dfda01″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Fears leads the team—and ranks among the national leaders—in assists with 9.1 per game, while chipping in 11.7 points and 2.8 rebounds.<grok:render card_id=”b848bf” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> His assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.5:1 highlights his decision-making, making him the engine of an offense that assists on over 60% of its made baskets.
Fears’ story is one of resilience. Sidelined for much of his freshman year due to a gunshot wound in a hometown incident, he returned stronger, earning Big Ten All-Freshman honors in 2024-25. Now fully healthy, his speed and vision have elevated Michigan State’s transition game, where they score 18.2 points per contest on fast breaks.<grok:render card_id=”4e18bd” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> He’s also improved as a scorer, shooting 45% from three and attacking the rim with crafty finishes.
Facing USC, Fears will be tested by the Trojans’ pesky guards, who average 7.5 steals per game collectively.<grok:render card_id=”bbfb39″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> USC’s defense thrives on pressure, but Fears’ ball-handling (just 2.0 turnovers per game) and ability to read pick-and-rolls could exploit gaps. Watch for him to feed Kohler on lobs or find open shooters like Kur Teng on the perimeter. If Fears controls the pace, pushing the ball after USC misses, Michigan State could build early leads.
Off the court, Fears is a community leader, often speaking on gun violence prevention. His maturity translates to clutch moments— he’s hit game-winners in two non-conference tilts this year. As Izzo puts it, “Jeremy’s our quarterback; he makes everyone better.” In this matchup, his playmaking could unlock the Spartans’ full potential.
#### Coen Carr: The Athletic X-Factor
Rounding out the trio is Coen Carr, a 6-6 junior forward from East Point, Georgia, whose explosive athleticism makes him a nightmare matchup.<grok:render card_id=”5a9346″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Averaging 11.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, Carr is the Spartans’ most dynamic slasher, converting 58% at the rim and providing highlight-reel dunks that energize the crowd.<grok:render card_id=”73f40b” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Carr burst onto the scene as a freshman with his vertical leap—measured at 42 inches—and has since rounded out his game, adding a mid-range jumper and defensive versatility. He’s blocked 1.2 shots per game this season, using his wingspan to disrupt passing lanes.<grok:render card_id=”5c4df6″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> His energy off the bench or in starting lineups has been key in comebacks, like a 22-point outburst against Duke in November.
Against USC, Carr’s speed will be vital in matching the Trojans’ up-tempo style. USC pushes the pace, averaging 79.0 points, but Carr’s transition defense and ability to run the floor could turn turnovers into easy buckets.<grok:render card_id=”6425b1″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> Expect him to guard USC’s top wing scorer, using his lateral quickness to force tough shots. If Carr gets hot from outside (he’s at 38% from three), it opens driving lanes for the entire team.
Carr’s intangibles—hustle plays, diving for loose balls—epitomize Spartan basketball. He’s also a vocal motivator, often hyping the bench during timeouts.
#### What to Expect and Final Thoughts
While these three—Kohler, Fears, and Carr—form the backbone, Michigan State’s depth, including senior center Carson Cooper (10.1 PPG, 7.4 REB) and sharpshooter Kur Teng, adds layers.<grok:render card_id=”dbebd4″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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</grok:render> USC counters with their own stars, but the Spartans’ home-court advantage (7-1 at Breslin) and Izzo’s 85% win rate in January games give them the edge.<grok:render card_id=”42660c” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>
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Prediction: Michigan State 78, USC 70. Watch for these key players to shine, propelling the Spartans toward another deep tournament run. As Big Ten play heats up, this clash could set the tone for both teams’ seasons.
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