Tom Izzo Lands 2026 Four-Star Carlos Medlock Jr. Over Michigan, Tennessee
In what is already shaping up to be a pivotal 2026 recruiting class, Michigan State basketball head coach Tom Izzo secured a massive win on the recruiting trail, landing four-star point guard Carlos Medlock Jr. over in-state rival Michigan and national contender Tennessee. The 6-foot-2 floor general from Oak Park, Michigan, made his commitment public via a live-streamed press conference held at his high school gym, where green and white balloons gave away the decision before he even unzipped his hoodie to reveal a Spartan jersey underneath.
The crowd erupted.
For Izzo, now entering his fourth decade as Michigan State’s head coach, the commitment is more than just a talented addition to his roster — it’s a symbol that the Spartans still rule the mitten when it comes to in-state recruiting. Medlock Jr., rated the No. 48 overall player and the No. 7 point guard in the 2026 class by 247Sports, had been courted heavily by Juwan Howard’s Wolverines and Rick Barnes’ Volunteers. But in the end, the connection with Izzo proved too strong.
“Coach Izzo was real with me from day one,” Medlock Jr. said after his announcement. “He didn’t promise me anything — just the chance to earn everything. That’s the kind of culture I want to be part of.”
Known for his explosive first step, tight handle, and floor awareness beyond his years, Medlock Jr. averaged 19.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.2 steals as a sophomore, leading Oak Park to a 21-4 record and a deep playoff run. Scouts praise his ability to control tempo and create scoring opportunities, both for himself and his teammates.
For Izzo, the commitment fills a critical need at point guard in the post-Tyson Walker era. The Spartans’ 2026 roster is expected to lean heavily on new blood, and Medlock Jr. offers a blend of leadership and talent that could make him a day-one contributor.
“I love his toughness,” Izzo said in a post-announcement interview. “He plays with an edge — a chip on his shoulder. That’s the kind of guy who fits into our system. He’s a Spartan.”
Medlock’s decision is also a dagger for Michigan, who had hoped to lure him to Ann Arbor with the promise of immediate minutes and a program on the rebuild. Tennessee made a strong late push, flying Medlock to Knoxville for a weekend that included courtside seats at a Volunteers football game and a private tour of their training facility. But it wasn’t enough.
“This is about legacy,” said Carlos Medlock Sr., himself a former standout at Eastern Michigan. “We’ve watched Coach Izzo develop players, send them to the league, and win big games. This is where Carlos Jr. belongs.”
With Medlock Jr. now committed, Michigan State’s 2026 recruiting class jumps into the national top 10, according to early projections. And if the commitment sends any message to the Big Ten and beyond, it’s this: Tom Izzo is still very much in the fight — and still winning.
