Staying loyal is hard in the current age of college basketball. However, the Michigan State Spartans pride themselves on loyalty, and that’s exactly what they got out of Jaxon Kohler. Kohler proved to be one of the best rebounders in the country, along with growing into a three-level scorer. His hard work and effort make him a very interesting 2026 NBA Draft prospect. Obviously, there is no guarantee that Kohler will hear his name in the draft; however, he’s the kind of player who has the tools to compete at the pro level.
Let’s take a closer look at where the double-double machine Jaxon Kohler stands as a prospect.
Jaxon Kohler 2026 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
Kohler came to play for Michigan State and Tom Izzo as the first-ever Utah-born player in the basketball program’s history. It was certainly a learning experience for the 6-foot-9 forward, as he saw action in 34 games as a freshman during the 2022-23 season. The glimpses of his potential were there during that season, despite only averaging three points per game. He also chipped in 2.9 rebounds per game in his first year. A strong offseason and summer were dampened during the 2023-24 season for Kohler.
A foot injury before the season kept him limited to just 21 games, as the Spartans took a step back from their run to a Sweet 16. Not only did the team struggle, but Kohler had the worst season of his career. He averaged just two points and two boards per game. He knew he had to get back in the gym and really start to show his skills entering his junior season in 2024-25.
Boy, did he ever, as his scoring increased, along with starting 34 of 37 games that season. Kohler showed his affinity for being active on the glass. In fact, he had 11 games with double-digit boards. He finished fifth in the Big Ten with 276 rebounds during the 2024-25 season. Kohler really began to showcase his natural scoring feel as well, making 19 of 51 three-point attempts, while also shooting 82 percent from the free-throw line.
Sometimes given the mantle “baby Jokic,” Kohler was ready to have his most impactful season as a senior. He was not only a team captain, but his presence was felt every night during the 2025-26 campaign. He finished with 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. That marked his second-straight season finishing in the top five in the Big Ten in rebounding, trailing only Washington’s Hannes Steinbach. His efforts earned him an honorable mention All-Big Ten honor for 2025-26. Though he never reached the Final Four with the Spartans, Kohler more than proved to be one of the steadiest big men since Xavier Tillman for Michigan State.
Offense
Strengths
Jaxon Kohler has a great touch around the rim. He showcased the ability to knock down a jump hook when posting up. Not to mention his willingness to let it fly from deep. He made a career best 58 3-pointers this season while attempting 149. Kohler would have nights throughout his senior season when he was the go-to scorer, especially when the Spartans needed a big shot. Having that deep shot at his size is only going to get better, and it will be a key reason why Kohler can make it at the next level as a strong three-level scorer.
Kohler had a real knack for converting at the free-throw line, both drawing shooting fouls and converting on and-one opportunities. He’s not the flashiest of finishers at the rim, but he has great hands and a great shot IQ. His floor spacing ability is going to only better his chances of hearing his name called. Kohler sets good screens and crashes the offensive glass, more often than not allowing his team to get second- or even third-chance opportunities.
Weaknesses
Kohler is not a flashy dunker. Although he can get to the basket, he isn’t going to blow you away. Kohler also struggles to be quick, which could prevent him from reaching his full ceiling as a scorer. Furthermore, he lacks explosiveness, more or less looking to pull up, instead of getting to the rim. Simply put, he needs to land in the right role at the next level.
Kohler could also polish up his three-point touch even more, despite being the Spartans’ best shooter this season.
Defense
Strengths
Kohler is a terrific rebounder who does not give up on the glass. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He’s also never one to settle and always looking to better his game. His natural ability to chase boards is what could get him a good look, to bring in and contribute off the bench.
The senior big man is a high IQ player at both ends of the floor. Add that to his presence on the defensive end, and his intelligence is only going to get better. Kohler is not an elite shot blocker, but he has all the skills to make things difficult for players in the post. He was certainly one of the best defensive rebounders in the entire country.
Weaknesses
Kohler will struggle to make the right switch, which is where his lack of athleticism makes it even more difficult for him. He struggled the most defensively when he had to guard much taller bigs. He was nearly unplayable on defense in his early years, but carved out enough of a path to not be the weakest link by the end of his collegiate career.
NBA Comparison
It’s easy to list off players that Jaxon Kohler could be compared to. Obviosuly he’s been compared to Nikola Jokic, with his ability to rebound, score and make tough passes. But the level at which he improved his 3-point shooting in a short amount of time compares nicely to another former Spartan. Zach Randolph is a nice comp, as he grew into a very important player during his 17-year NBA career, where he was a great rebounder and scorer. Though he probably won’t hear his name called on draft night, Kohler has the skills to at least get a look during Summer League.
2026 NBA Draft Projection
Late 2nd Round Pick – Undrafted.
Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
