Here's How Michigan State Wins Its Next National Championship

It's been a quarter of a century since Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo last won a national championship.

None of the players on his current Spartans roster were alive for that, but they're ready to bring the championship back to East Lansing in 2025.

Here's my prediction on how I see the Spartans' postseason playing out.

Round of 64 - Michigan State vs. Bryant

Bryant's a young team, and considering they come from a weak conference (America East), Michigan State should make easy work of the Bulldogs.

JR's PREDICTION: Michigan State knocks off 15th-seed Bryant 81-62 in the Round of 64. (Photos via Getty Images North America and Canva)

Michigan State defeats Bryant, 81-62.

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Round of 32 - Michigan State vs. Marquette

Shaka Smart's a great coach, and he'll have his team ready to play. But his experience is no match for that of Tom Izzo and the Big 10.

JR's PREDICTION: 7th-seed Marquette falls to Michigan State 73-61 in the Round of 32. (Photos via Getty Images North America and Canva)

Marquette falls to Michigan State 73-61 in the Round of 32.

Round of 16 - Michigan State vs. Iowa State

Iowa State's high-powered offense likes to run. The Cyclones are quick, but as long as the Spartans stay out of foul trouble, they should be able to manage the Iowa State offense.

JR's PREDICTION: Michigan State defeats 3rd-seed Iowa State in the Round of 16 by a score of 68-63. (Photos via Getty Images North America and Canva)

Michigan State beats Iowa State in the Round of 16, 68-63.

Quarterfinals - Michigan State vs. Auburn

This will be the toughest game Tom Izzo's Spartans will have seen all season. Look for the Tigers to run out ahead early, only to be caught by a Michigan State buzzer-beater at the end.

JR's PREDICTION: Auburn becomes the first #1 seed to fall, thanks to a Round of 16 buzzer-beater from Michigan State - the final, 70-69. (Photos via Getty Images North America and Canva)

Michigan State knocks off top-seed Auburn 70-69 in the quarterfinals.

Semifinals - Michigan State vs. Florida

Florida plays fast, but as long as the Spartans can play the perimeter and (once again) avoid foul trouble, MSU has a shot to go to the finals.

JR's PREDICTION: Michigan State knocks off #1 seed Florida in the semifinals, 64-58. (Photos via Getty Images North America and Canva)

Look for Michigan State to beat the Florida Gators, 64-58.

NCAA Championship Game - Michigan State vs. Houston

Michigan State last played for the NCAA championship following the 2008-09 season, and they lost that game to North Carolina, 89-72.

Izzo will be determined not to get this far only to fall short again. If the Spartans can get to the line more than the Cougars, this could be MSU's year. If MSU can work the ball inside on offense and try to get Houston in foul trouble, that could be the difference in a close game.

Spartans win, 75-70!

JR's PREDICTION: Michigan State plays Houston for the championship. The Spartans win a hard-fought game, 75-70. (Photos via Getty Images North America and Canva)

The Best College Basketball Towns in America: Top 10

WalletHub ranked 296 cities based on how awesome (or terrible) they are for college basketball fans. They looked at things like team performance, championship wins, ticket prices, fan engagement, and stadium size. Big cities, midsize towns, and small spots were all compared. The result? A definitive (and possibly debatable) Top 10 ranking! See the link in the #1 College Basketball Town in America for the full methodology. Let's begin the countdown:

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Where Are These Michigan State Basketball Players Now?

Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans Men's Basketball program have been a premier school in College Basketball, with a streak of 25 straight NCAA tournament appearances. Stellar teams generate stellar players, and over the years, MSU has had no shortage of stand-out players who have gone on to have successful careers in professional basketball. Here are 12 Spartans in the last 12 years and where they are now.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill