Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo sits during warmups before a game against the USC Trojans at Galen Center. William Navarro-Imagn Images

Michigan State HC Tom Izzo makes Big Ten history

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Feb 15, 2025 11:37 PM ET

Fans of college basketball know the name Tom Izzo is synonymous with the sport and for good reason.

The longtime Michigan State head coach cemented his legacy within the sport on Saturday with his 354th career win with the No. 11-ranked Spartans, defeating Illinois 79-65 on the road.

With that victory he passed legendary Indiana head coach Bob Knight for the most all-time in Big Ten Conference history.

"Folks, you have witnessed history." ️️

Tom Izzo just passed late legend Bob Knight for the most career @bigten conference wins (354) #B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/CzNA4Jz0L2
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) February 16, 2025

"I just want to be thankful for the 148 players I coached," an emotional Izzo told Fox Sports after the game.

"I'd turn it in for a banner," he also joked. Izzo won a single NCAA Tournament title with Michigan State back in 2000.

"I just want to be thankful for the 148 players I coached. Each one of them got a win."

Tom Izzo, 354 Big Ten Conference wins @MSU_Basketball pic.twitter.com/jrK0OFvBHs
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 16, 2025

The 70-year-old has also reached eight Final Fours with the program, won 10 conference regular season titles and six conference tournaments in his tenure in East Lansing.

"It's really amazing to see the program that you've built," Michigan State legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson said in a court-side message to Izzo (h/t Big Ten Network). "We honor you, we salute you on this amazing achievement. So, congratulations, Coach Izzo, you know you're my man."

Izzo is one of very few active coaches that have been inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (2016).

The Spartans (20-5) are well on their way to another NCAA Tournament appearance and will be in heavy contention to win another national title.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

More must-reads: