Tom Izzo STAYS KING with MSU basketball's No. 1 recruiting class; Mark Pope, Kentucky ready for MSU?

Tom Izzo lands Michigan State Spartans the nation’s top 2026 basketball recruiting class, but can his relentless energy at age 70 push MSU back to the Final Four? Matt Sheehan spotlights Izzo’s blend of old-school relationship-building and new NIL-era tactics, breaking down how blue-chip signings like five-star center Ethan Taylor could reset the Spartans’ roster and their Big Ten ambitions. Get the inside scoop on up-and-coming players Jasiah Jervis, Carlos Medlock, and Julius Avent, and what this loaded class means for the future of Michigan State basketball. Special guest Tyler I Am joins to preview the highly anticipated Champions Classic showdown between Michigan State and Kentucky Wildcats. The conversation heats up around each team’s shooting woes, roster construction, and championship expectations. Are Michigan State’s shooting struggles and Kentucky’s depth at big man the deciding factors? Will a low-scoring battle give the Spartans the edge? Tune in for bold predictions, fan-favorite moments, and a look ahead at the Spartans’ path back to national contention. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.