Jesse McCulloch might’ve started the season as a question mark, but he’s quickly becoming an exclamation point for Michigan State.
Early on, Tom Izzo was clearly easing the redshirt freshman into the mix. McCulloch didn’t crack more than six minutes in any of the first three games, and it was clear the coaching staff was still figuring out where he fit. But then came the Kentucky game - and that’s when things started to shift.
Since then, McCulloch has carved out a real role for himself in the Spartans’ rotation. Over the last nine games, he’s consistently logged double-digit minutes, and more importantly, he’s making those minutes count. This isn’t just about development anymore - it’s about contribution.
The decision to redshirt McCulloch last season is aging like fine wine. Izzo didn’t want to burn a year of eligibility on a player who wasn’t going to see meaningful time, and instead, McCulloch got a full season to learn behind a group of experienced bigs.
Now, that year of seasoning is paying off. He’s more polished, more confident, and more ready to help this team win.
What’s really standing out is how quickly he’s finding his rhythm. He’s not just filling a spot in the rotation - he’s showing flashes of being a future starter, maybe as soon as next season. And with Big Ten play ramping up, the Spartans are going to need every bit of his size, skill and growing confidence.
Let’s talk about the offensive upside, because it’s hard to miss. McCulloch might still be working on the physicality needed to bang with Big Ten big men night in and night out, but his skill set already gives him an edge.
He’s got a soft touch around the rim - that baby hook is smooth - and his mid-range game is already a weapon. He’s comfortable along the baseline, confident pulling up from the elbow, and even capable of stretching the floor with a three when left open.
Against Cornell, he showed a little more of that offensive versatility, putting the ball on the deck, attacking the rim, and nearly throwing down a poster before drawing a foul. That kind of aggression and feel for the game is what separates role players from long-term starters.
The numbers back it up. Over his last three games, McCulloch is averaging 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting a blistering 70 percent from the field.
He’s also knocked down both of his three-point attempts and is nearly automatic from the free-throw line, hitting 11 of 12 on the season. That kind of efficiency, especially from a freshman big, is rare.
And here’s the kicker: if Jaxon Kohler or Carson Cooper run into foul trouble - which is always a possibility in the bruising Big Ten - Izzo now has a reliable option off the bench in McCulloch. That wasn’t the case back in November. But it is now.
McCulloch’s emergence couldn’t come at a better time for Michigan State. The Spartans are entering the heart of conference play, where depth, toughness, and versatility matter more than ever. And while he might not be a household name just yet, Jesse McCulloch is quickly becoming a name that Big Ten opponents will have to game-plan for.
Bottom line: the future’s looking bright in East Lansing - and Jesse McCulloch is a big reason why.