Tom Izzo pushes back on narrative Michigan State does not use transfer portal: 'We pay players'

In an era where seemingly every big-time college basketball program relies on the NCAA transfer portal, Michigan State has not been one of them. Tom Izzo has stuck true to his roots of recruiting from the high school ranks, wanting to develop players. Results have been mixed but this past season was a success, winning the Big Ten and making the Elite Eight.

Izzo was once again asked about Michigan State’s portal use, pushing back on the narrative. He says the Spartans are playing players, just maybe not as much as other schools out there. It’s something Izzo admits they “battle” with on a daily basis.

“Those of you that write, or say, or listen to people say ‘Izzo doesn’t want to get in the transfer portal. Izzo doesn’t want players getting paid.’ I mean, we’re in the transfer portal, we’ve been in the transfer portal,” Izzo said. “We pay players a lot more than most of you know and a lot less of what’s going on out there. I don’t know what you make but you make less than somebody in New York City and doing the same job, probably. So, that is the thing we battle every day.”

Last offseason saw Michigan State bring in two transfers. Frankie Fielder played the biggest role of the two, averaging 7.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Szymon Zapala was a starter in 36 games but only played around 14 minutes a night. The center snagged four rebounds per game.

Izzo has already been active this go-round, looking to add talent ahead of the 2025-2026 season. Both guys are expected to play a role moving forward — maybe a little more than previous portal additions.

Trey Fort committed to Michigan State from Samford following Bucky McMillan’s departure for the Texas A&M job. And then Kaleb Glenn will play for the Spartans next year after previously being in Boca Raton at FAU.

So Izzo is looking for the narrative of Michigan State not using the transfer portal to go away. Money is required when going after some of the biggest names out there. Based on the head coach’s recent comments, a bidding war is not going to happen.

There is still plenty of time for Izzo to fill out the rest of next year’s roster. Michigan State will still expect to be contending at the very top of the Big Ten once again.