MSU Lands Veteran Sharpshooter: Trey Fort Bolts Samford for Sixth Season Stint with Spartans!
East Lansing, MI – April 18, 2025 — In a major offseason shake-up that’s already sending shockwaves through the college basketball landscape, Michigan State University has officially landed veteran sharpshooter Trey Fort from Samford. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound scoring guard announced his commitment to the Spartans on Thursday, giving head coach Tom Izzo a major addition to a talented but evolving backcourt.
Fort, who will be entering his sixth and final year of NCAA eligibility, brings a wealth of experience and offensive firepower to East Lansing. A proven scorer with a deep shooting range, the veteran guard is coming off a career-best season at Samford, where he averaged 16.5 points per game while shooting 41% from beyond the arc. Fort’s ability to score in bunches and create his own shot makes him a valuable piece for a Michigan State team looking to reload after key departures.
“I’m excited to be part of a program with such a rich tradition,” Fort said in a statement posted to social media. “Coach Izzo’s system is built for winners, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help this team reach the top.”
The move marks a major win for the Spartans, who have been seeking backcourt reinforcements following the graduation of senior leaders and the departure of key underclassmen to the NBA Draft. Fort’s combination of size, shooting, and leadership immediately makes him a candidate for a starting role, if not a featured one.
At Samford, Fort emerged as one of the most consistent offensive threats in the Southern Conference. Beyond his perimeter shooting, he’s known for his ability to slash to the basket, draw fouls, and operate in clutch moments. His veteran presence is expected to mesh well with Izzo’s high-intensity, defense-first mentality while giving the Spartans more offensive versatility.
“Trey is a mature, experienced guard who can really shoot the basketball,” said Izzo. “We’ve watched him closely, and we love his work ethic and approach to the game. He brings the kind of leadership and toughness we value in this program.”
Fort began his college career at the junior college level before transferring to Samford, where he steadily grew into a centerpiece of their offense. His path to the Big Ten underscores both his development and the increasing value of seasoned players in the modern college basketball era, where experience and floor spacing can be the difference between a good team and a Final Four contender.
While Fort’s addition doesn’t guarantee Michigan State a conference title, it certainly strengthens their hand. With a mix of young talent and experienced transfers like Fort, the Spartans appear poised to make another deep March run.
For now, Spartan fans have reason to celebrate. In the ever-changing world of college basketball, a seasoned, 6th-year sniper like Trey Fort could be the missing piece of a championship puzzle.
