CBS NEWS: East Lansing, MI — Tom Izzo Breaks Big Ten Record for Most Wins in a Season, Cementing Status as Michigan State’s Coaching Icon
In a season defined by resilience, discipline, and sheer excellence, Michigan State men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo has etched his name into history books once again — this time by breaking his own Big Ten record for most wins in a single season. With the Spartans’ thrilling 84–76 victory over rival Illinois at the Breslin Center, Izzo officially surpassed his previous high-water mark, capturing his 37th win of the 2025 season and securing his status as the most coveted and celebrated coach in the Big Ten Conference.
The win not only capped a historic regular season but also launched Michigan State into the postseason with unprecedented momentum. Fans filled the arena with chants of “Izzo! Izzo!” as the final buzzer sounded, while former players, alumni, and fellow coaches poured in their congratulations from around the country.
The 2024–25 Spartans squad has been one of Izzo’s most dynamic units yet — a potent mix of seasoned upperclassmen and fearless young talent. But it’s Izzo’s unwavering leadership, meticulous preparation, and emotional intelligence that have propelled the team to this extraordinary achievement.
“Coach Izzo is the heartbeat of this program,” senior guard DeShawn Holloway said. “He pushes us harder than anyone, but he believes in every one of us. This record? That’s all him.”
This season has featured a number of milestones for Izzo, now in his 30th year at the helm in East Lansing. Earlier in the year, he passed Bob Knight on the all-time Big Ten wins list. But surpassing his own win record — previously set during the 2000 national championship run — carries a special weight. Not only does it reflect his longevity and adaptability across generations of players, but it also reaffirms his commitment to excellence in an evolving game.
“This record isn’t about me,” Izzo told CBS Sports in the postgame interview. “It’s about every kid who’s ever laced up their shoes for this program. It’s about Michigan State — the community, the fans, the history. I just happen to be lucky enough to be a part of it.”
Athletic Director Alan Haller added, “What Tom has accomplished here goes far beyond numbers. He has created a culture that stands for integrity, grit, and tradition. Records will come and go, but Tom Izzo’s impact is forever.”
Izzo now stands as the only coach in Big Ten history to notch three 35+ win seasons — a feat no other coach has achieved in the modern era. With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, speculation is growing that this Spartans team could be Izzo’s most complete group since his title-winning squad in 2000.
Whether or not that elusive second national championship comes this year, Tom Izzo has already secured his place in college basketball lore. As banners continue to hang and milestones are shattered, the coaching legend remains focused on the one thing that has always defined him — building young men through the game he loves.
And as the green and white faithful roared with pride late into the Michigan night, one thing became clear: Tom Izzo isn’t just the winningest coach in Big Ten history — he’s the soul of Michigan State basketball.
