New Headline: Michigan State’s Dominant Season Ends as Key Star Withdraws From Final Match
There was a notable injury development reported on Wednesday that relates to the Spartans' NCAA Tournament draw. According to ESPN insider Pete Thamel, Louisville star freshman Mikel Brown Jr. will remain out with an injury for the opening weekend game(s) of the NCAA Tournament.
Per a post on social media from Thamel, Brown has been dealing with a back injury that has sidelined him throughout the season, and will miss the Cardinals game against No. 11 seed South Florida on Thursday. Brown will also not play if Louisville advances, Thamel added.
Louisville will be without star freshman Mikel Brown Jr. in the opening weekend of the NCAA tournament, the school announced. He's been dealing with a back injury and will not play against No.
11 South Florida and will also not play if Louisville advances. — Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 18, 2026 Brown is second on the Cardinals in scoring with 18. 2 points per game this season, but missed a big chunk of time in the middle of the season and hasn't played since late February.
Louisville has gone 7-5 in the games Brown has missed this year. This is significant news that'll impact the Spartans' chances of reaching a second straight Sweet 16. Michigan State will play No.