Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears Jr. Earns Near-Unanimous AP Preseason All-America Honors

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr. is entering the 2026–27 college basketball season with some of the highest expectations in the country.

The Associated Press named Fears to its preseason All-America first team Wednesday, October 21, with the Spartans’ standout receiving 57 of 58 possible votes.

That was the highest vote total of any player selected.

For Michigan State, the recognition is another indication of the expectations surrounding Tom Izzo’s program as the Spartans prepare for a potential national championship run.

Fears Among College Basketball’s Elite

Fears headlines a five-player preseason All-America team that includes Florida’s Thomas Haugh, Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner, Illinois’ David Mirkovic and Arizona’s Motiejus Krivas.

Haugh received 56 votes, just one fewer than Fears.

The recognition follows an outstanding 2025–26 season in which Fears established himself as one of college basketball’s premier floor generals.

He averaged 15.2 points and a nation-leading 9.4 assists per game while helping Michigan State reach the Sweet 16.

His 328 total assists set a Michigan State single-season record, surpassing the previous mark held by Cassius Winston.

Fears also earned second-team AP All-America and first-team All-Big Ten honors.

Returning to Michigan State With Unfinished Business

Following last season, Fears initially entered the NBA Draft process before deciding to return to East Lansing.

His decision provided a significant boost to a Michigan State program looking to build on another NCAA Tournament appearance.

The Spartans enter the season ranked No. 6 in the Associated Press preseason poll.

Fears’ ability to control tempo, create scoring opportunities and lead the offense makes him one of the most important players on the roster.

He also returns with experienced teammates, including Coen Carr, giving Michigan State an established foundation entering the season.

National Recognition Brings Higher Expectations

Fears has already collected several preseason honors.

He was named the Big Ten’s preseason Player of the Year and earned additional national recognition from CBS Sports and Blue Ribbon College Basketball.

However, the attention surrounding Fears isn’t simply about individual accomplishments.

Michigan State is attempting to capture its first national championship since 2000.

With one of the country’s best point guards returning, the Spartans have an opportunity to compete at the highest level.

MCSN’s Take: Fears Has the Talent to Lead a Championship Run

Jeremy Fears Jr. has earned his place among college basketball’s elite.

His ability to distribute the basketball separates him from many high-scoring guards, and his leadership gives Michigan State a significant advantage.

But the next challenge is bigger than individual awards.

Michigan State has consistently reached the NCAA Tournament under Tom Izzo. What the program wants now is another national championship.

Fears doesn’t need to prove he belongs among the nation’s best point guards. His production already supports that argument.

The question is whether he can turn individual excellence into a deep postseason run.

With Fears returning and an experienced supporting cast around him, Michigan State has every reason to believe it can contend.

Now the Spartans must deliver when the games matter most.