Initial NCAA Tournament bracket preview shows that Michigan State has work to do

Feb 17, 2026; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Coen Carr (55) gets a slam dunk against the UCLA Bruins during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images | Dale Young-Imagn ImagesThe initial NCAA Tournament bracket preview proved one thing: Michigan State has some work to do.

The Spartans are 21-5 on the season and 11-4 in the Big Ten, but their recent rough patch has doubt creeping back in. Some experts are starting to lose trust in Tom Izzo’s team but fans have seen this rough patch every single season. This team still beat Arkansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Illinois. It’s not like these Spartans aren’t…