EAST LANSING ~ Spartan basketball hosted the Izzone campers Friday for a 30-point win over Incarnate Word in an exhibition match, building anticipation a month ahead of the season opener. The MSU student section spent the night on Munn Field to secure their season tickets, and were treated to a preseason showing of the 2026-27 Spartan team.
Redshirt sophomore Jesse McCulloch started in place of sophomore Cam Ward as Ward recovers from a minor ankle sprain. McCulloch led in scoring with 20 points, more than doubling his career high in just 21 minutes. His performance helped MSU control the pace early and maintain a comfortable lead throughout the night, giving the coaching staff an extended look at the frontcourt rotation.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
15 pts for Jesse so far tonight
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) October 3, 2026
Subscribe/watch on B1G+ https://t.co/x4CcGuKUVZ pic.twitter.com/OmuvFA4e9u
The excitement spans beyond this season. MSU basketball announced that 4-star high school senior Jaydn Jenkins will join the team in 2027. The recruit, rated No. 60 overall, will step in as part of a growing pipeline of nationally ranked prospects, reinforcing the program’s long‑term roster stability.
Friday’s exhibition offered both a preview of MSU’s depth and a glimpse at the future, blending strong early performances with recruiting momentum. With the season opener approaching, the Spartans left the Izzone campers with a clear message: expectations are rising, and the pieces for another competitive run are already taking shape.
