Could Jeremiah Fears be an option?

Jeremiah Fears decommitted from Illinois on Monday, but is he a realistic option for Michigan State’s basketball team?

When Jeremiah Fears chose Illinois, Michigan State basketball fans were a bit confused and frustrated.

The younger brother of star point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., who the team had been recruiting for some time, decided to take his talent to Champaign in the class of 2025. He chose Illinois over Michigan State, which was a bit of a surprise, but it was closer to home and he wanted to go his own way. Sometimes siblings and children of former players (Kaden Strayhorn) choose to go that route. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s usually a bit of a surprise.

Jeremiah, the No. 6 combo guard in the 2025 class, did what Illinois fans would have wanted his older brother to do: He joined the Illini.

Now, on Monday, amid rumors of a reversal of the commitment and reclassification, Fears announced that he would resume his recruitment after talking to his family, he would consider other options.

5⭐️ Jeremiah Fears has withdrawn his commitment to Illinois and will resume his recruitment 🚨👀

According to ESPN, he is ranked 15th in 2025. Where would you like to see him play college basketball? ⁉️@jeremiahfears2 @slam_university pic.twitter.com/9czKK6Yd5M

— SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM_HS) July 1, 2024

Other options is a vague statement, but many believe that means reclassification to the class of 2024. If that’s the case, I don’t think Michigan State has a chance with him. The roster is full (which is rare under Tom Izzo these days), so there would be no room for him.

If Jeremiah stays in the 2025 class despite this opt-out, there’s a good chance the Spartans have him. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the most likely scenario, with everyone talking about him moving up to 2024. He would be a great addition to Michigan State’s basketball roster, but unless someone unexpectedly transfers, there won’t be a spot left.

Additionally, Kentucky had a Zoom meeting with him this week and the Wildcats made him an offer shortly after he declined.

It would be great to get Jeremiah to join Jeremy in 2025, but reclassification would ruin Michigan State’s chances here.