Michigan-MSU Rivalry Heating Up, Tom Izzo Faces a New Challenger in Dusty May

The rivalry between Michigan State and Michigan has always been one of the fiercest in college basketball. This season, the stakes are even higher as two top-ranked teams battle for Big Ten dominance. However, beyond the game itself, a new coaching rivalry is beginning to emerge between legendary Michigan State coach Tom Izzo and Michigan’s first-year head coach, Dusty May.

A Look Back at Izzo’s Rise

Tom Izzo’s journey to becoming a Hall of Fame coach wasn’t always smooth. When he took over Michigan State’s basketball program in 1995, success didn’t come immediately. In his first two seasons, he had a modest 33-27 record, making only a couple of NIT appearances. By his third season, things changed. With a young, talented squad from Flint, Michigan, Izzo led the Spartans to national recognition.

A defining moment came when MSU, ranked No. 22 for the first time under Izzo, dominated Indiana in an 84-66 blowout. The game, played on national television, showcased future stars like Mateen Cleaves, Charlie Bell, Antonio Smith, and Morris Peterson. That win boosted Michigan State’s confidence and set them on a path to the Sweet 16 that season, the Final Four the next, and eventually, a national championship.

Now, more than 25 years later, Izzo has cemented his legacy. Just last week, he surpassed legendary coach Bob Knight’s record for most Big Ten wins, reaching 354 victories in conference play.

Dusty May’s Journey to the Big Stage

While Izzo was making his mark in the late 1990s, Dusty May was just beginning his basketball journey. As a student at Indiana University, May worked as a student manager for the Hoosiers under Bob Knight. At the time, he was just another dedicated basketball mind looking to learn from one of the greats. Knight didn’t even learn his name until years later, but May soaked up everything he could about coaching and leadership.

Fast forward to today, and May has climbed the coaching ranks to lead one of the nation’s top programs. Now 48 years old, he is in his first year as Michigan’s head coach. His Wolverines are ranked No. 12 in the country, just behind Michigan State at No. 14. As he prepares to lead Michigan into a crucial game against their biggest rival, he recognizes the similarities between Izzo and his former mentor, Bob Knight.

“He’s probably the closest to Coach Knight as any coach in the country,” May said about Izzo. “If anyone was going to break the Big Ten record, it should be him.”

A Rivalry Renewed

On Friday, Izzo and May will officially face off for the first time as head coaches when Michigan State visits Ann Arbor. This game is more than just another chapter in the Michigan-MSU rivalry—it’s a battle between a seasoned legend and a rising star.

Both teams have impressive records, with Michigan at 20-5 and Michigan State at 21-5. The winner of this game will take a major step toward securing the Big Ten title and improving their NCAA Tournament seeding.

For Izzo, this is familiar territory. He has spent decades coaching in high-pressure situations, leading his teams through intense rivalries and deep tournament runs. For May, this is his first taste of coaching in one of college basketball’s most heated matchups.

What’s at Stake

Beyond bragging rights, this game carries significant implications for the Big Ten standings. Both teams have a chance to win the regular-season title and make a deep run in March Madness. A victory in this rivalry game could provide the momentum needed for a strong finish to the season.

For May, this game is an opportunity to prove himself against one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history. For Izzo, it’s a chance to show that, even at 70 years old, he remains at the top of his game.

As the two coaches prepare to battle on the court, fans on both sides can expect a thrilling, hard-fought game. Whether Michigan or Michigan State comes out on top, one thing is certain—the rivalry is alive and well, and a new coaching showdown is just beginning.