Michigan's Roddy Gayle Jr. Reveals True Feelings on Potential Elite 8 Rematch With Michigan State

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Mar 24, 2025 5:03 AM ET

The Michigan and Michigan State basketball teams both won a pair of games in the NCAA Tournament this past week, punching their respective tickets to the Sweet 16 round of games in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Wolverines and Spartans both have tall tasks ahead of them in the form of the one-seed Auburn Tigers and the six-seed Ole Miss Rebels, respectively.

If the Wolverines and Spartans both get past their Southeastern Conference foes, the stage will be set for their third matchup of the season with a trip to the Final Four in San Antonio up for grabs.

On Sunday, Michigan guard/forward Roddy Gayle Jr., a former Ohio State transfer and a shining star of the Wolverines' comeback win over Texas A&M, revealed his innermost feelings on a third potential matchup against coach Tom Izzo's Spartans.

"A rematch against Michigan State...Would possibly be one of the greatest games ever," Gayle Jr. said, making his feelings on a possible third game known.

The Wolverines lost their first two matchups against Izzo's Spartans and became the subject of controversy as freshman players LJ Cason and Durral "Phat Phat" Brooks were accused of interrupting a treasured Spartans tradition.

Brooks and Cason stood at center court while Michigan State players including Frankie Fidler kissed the Spartans logo in accordance with program tradition.

MSU guard Tre Holloman pushed Cason with his right hand while Brooks responded with a two hand push.

The Spartans won both games, clinching the Big Ten regular season title, while the Wolverines went on to win the Big Ten Tournament.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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