Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo, a legend in college basketball and the longest-serving coach in the Big Ten, has never been one to hold back his thoughts—and this week, he once again made headlines by sounding off on the current state of the NCAA transfer portal. In an era where roster turnover is more rapid than ever, Izzo is calling for reform, fairness, and above all, a return to the values that built the sport.
“I’m still in the fight,” Izzo said during a recent press conference. “I believe in doing things the right way—with integrity, consistency, and a focus on building character. That hasn’t changed, and it never will.”
Izzo’s comments come amid a record-breaking number of players entering the transfer portal, often switching programs with little to no notice. While many celebrate the increased flexibility and player empowerment, Izzo raised concerns about what’s being lost in the process: development, loyalty, and long-term mentorship.
He pointed out that college basketball used to be about building a culture over several years—not building a new team every offseason. “We’re not just coaching basketball anymore,” Izzo explained. “We’re running a revolving door. And that’s not what I signed up for when I got into this.”
The Hall of Fame coach, who has led Michigan State to eight Final Fours and a national championship, emphasized that he isn’t against player movement—but he’s against a system that’s unbalanced, inconsistent, and often chaotic. He’s calling on NCAA leadership to step in with clearer rules, better guardrails, and a renewed emphasis on academics and accountability.
Still, despite the growing frustrations, Izzo reaffirmed his commitment to mentoring young men, developing talent the right way, and maintaining a program that stands on principle—even if that means being one of the last holdouts in an era of instant gratification.
“Character still matters,” he said. “Programs should be built, not bought. And if that makes me old school, then I’m proud of it.”
In the fast-changing world of college hoops, Tom Izzo remains a steady voice of tradition, discipline, and enduring excellence—still swinging, still standing, and still in the fight.
