Former Michigan State basketball standout Jaxon Kohler is reportedly considering a return to the college game for a fifth season. The forward, who previously served as a team captain, is exploring options following an undrafted run in the NBA and a stint with the Utah Jazz during the Summer League.
This development follows a recent federal court ruling by U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney in Colorado. The decision allows athletes from the 2022 class who used their final year of eligibility last spring to return for an additional season. While the NCAA expressed strong opposition to this injunction and signaled an intent to appeal, the current landscape allows players like Kohler to keep their college careers active.
Kohler remains a known presence in the Big Ten after two seasons as a starter for Tom Izzo at Michigan State. During his most recent campaign, he averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 39 percent from beyond the arc. Despite his production, it remains uncertain whether he will find a spot on the Spartans roster given the current depth and recent additions to the team.
Beyond a potential return to East Lansing, reports suggest Kohler is drawing interest from other programs including Kansas, Kentucky, and BYU. As the legal battle regarding eligibility requirements plays out, athletes in similar positions are evaluating their futures in real time. The outcome of this situation serves as an early indicator of how roster management might shift under new eligibility standards.