AP Names Michigan State Guard Fears Preseason All-American

The Associated Press selected Jeremy Fears Jr. as a preseason All-American following a dominant sophomore campaign.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Basketball

AP Names Michigan State Guard Fears Preseason All-American

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Michigan State men's basketball guard Jeremy Fears Jr. has been named an Associated Press preseason All-American. He secured the honor after receiving 57 out of a possible 58 votes from the panel.

Why it matters

This recognition places Fears among the top collegiate players entering the new season as he looks to build on his success from the previous year. His high vote tally reflects broad consensus on his status as an elite talent in the sport.

Fears earned his selection after averaging 15.2 points and 9.4 assists per game during his sophomore season. He previously secured first-team All-Big Ten and second-team All-American honors during that campaign.

The players

Jeremy Fears Jr.

He is a junior guard for the Michigan State men's basketball team who earned first-team All-Big Ten honors last season.

The Associated Press

It is an American non-profit news agency that conducts annual voting to determine preseason and postseason All-American teams.

The details

The voting process, conducted by the Associated Press, saw Fears emerge as a near-unanimous choice among voters. As a junior for Michigan State, the guard is expected to play a central role for the team following his breakout performance last season.

October 21, 2026: The Associated Press announced the selection of Jeremy Fears Jr. as a preseason All-American.

Season Trajectory

This accolade solidifies Fears as a cornerstone of the Michigan State roster and a primary focus for opponents in the upcoming Big Ten race. His recognition highlights the high expectations surrounding his playmaking abilities as he enters his junior year.

Fears enters the season as a focal point for fantasy basketball rosters and opponent scouting reports after maintaining a high assist-to-point output. His near-unanimous selection indicates he will likely be a primary ball-handler in nearly every high-stakes matchup this year.

The takeaway

The high vote total demonstrates significant confidence from media experts in his ability to sustain elite production. Fans should monitor his assist numbers as a key indicator of his continued development as a floor general for Michigan State.