Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. declares for 2026 NBA Draft, maintains college eligibility

In an expected move, Michigan State redshirt sophomore point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, while maintaining college eligibility. He announced his decision on Instagram on Friday.

"After speaking with my family, coaches, and representatives, I'm excited to announce that I will be declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility," Fears wrote on a social media graphic. "This is an important step in my journey, and I'm looking forward to learning, growing, and competing against the best as I continue to develop my game. I'm grateful for Coach (Tom) Izzo, the Michigan State staff, my teammates, and my family for their continued support and belief in me."

Fears plans to "test the waters" and get feedback regarding his game while going through the draft process. He will have until May 27 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time to withdraw his name from the draft and return to the NCAA.

If Fears is invited to participate, the G League Combine is set for May 8 through May 10 in Chicago, and the NBA Draft Combine is scheduled for May 10 through May 17 in Chicago.

During the 2025-2026 campaign, Fears led the Spartans with 15.2 points per game. He led the country in assists at 9.4 per game and in assist percentage at 53%. He set the Michigan State program record for assists in a single season with 328. Fears also averaged 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He shot 43.1% overall from the field, 32.1% from 3-point range and 88.5% from the free-throw line.

The accolades were impressive for Fears. He earned All-American honors from five different outlets for the 2025-2026 campaign: The Wooden Award All-American Team (one of 10 honorees), the Associated Press (second-team), The Sporting News (third-team), the United States Basketball Writers Association (third-team) and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (third-team). Fears also earned consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors.

Additionally, Fears served as a team captain for the Spartans this past season. He helped lead Michigan State to a record of 27-8 overall and a conference record of 15-5 this past season. MSU advanced to the regional semifinals (Sweet 16) round in the East Region of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament before ultimately falling to Connecticut, 67-63.

In 83 career games played with the Spartans, including 71 starts, Fears has averaged 10.0 points, 6.8 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He has shot 42.4% from the field, 32% from 3-point range and 81.4% on free throws.

Fears was an Academic All-Big Ten selection as a redshirt freshman during the 2024-2025 campaign.

In December of 2023, Fears was shot in the leg in his hometown of Joliet, Illinois. Fears missed the rest of the 2023-2024 campaign after playing 12 games as a true freshman. He returned to play in 36 games, starting all 36 contests he played in, during his redshirt freshman season in 2024-2025 and helped the Spartans capture a Big Ten championship and make an Elite Eight appearance.

Fears still has two years of collegiate eligibility remaining if he decides to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft by the May 27 deadline.

Sources familiar with the situation tell Spartans Illustrated's David Harns that Fears remains firmly committed to returning to Michigan State ("he has not wavered") and has been actively working behind the scenes to position the team for a stronger run next season.