Colin Walton

From a productive high school career in Okemos, Michigan, to competing with the Michigan State Spartans, Colin Walton is building his college basketball experience through preparation, teamwork, and academic achievement.

In college basketball, success is often measured by points, rebounds, championships, and individual awards. Yet behind every competitive program are players whose contributions extend beyond the box score. For Colin Walton, the journey to Michigan State University has involved learning the value of preparation, embracing a supporting role, and continuing to develop within a demanding basketball environment.

A forward from Okemos, Michigan, Walton joined the Michigan State Spartans in the summer of 2024 alongside his twin brother, Brennan. Both arrived as walk-ons after completing their high school careers at Okemos High School, where they helped the Wolves finish the 2023-24 season with a 19-5 record.

Their transition to college basketball presented a new challenge. Rather than immediately competing for regular playing time, the brothers initially served on the scout team, helping teammates prepare for upcoming opponents while adjusting to the demands of Division I basketball.

Walton subsequently earned his first collegiate appearances during the 2025-26 season. Although his playing time remained limited, his experience reflects the patience and commitment required to pursue opportunities within a demanding college basketball program.

• Full Name: Colin Michael Walton
• Sport: Basketball
• Position: Forward
• Height: 6 feet, 8 inches
• Weight: 230 pounds
• Age: 20 as of October 15, 2026
• Birthplace: Lansing, Michigan
• Hometown: Okemos, Michigan
• High School: Okemos High School
• College: Michigan State University
• Team: Michigan State Spartans Men's Basketball
• Jersey Number: 43
• Class: Redshirt sophomore for the 2026-27 season

Walton developed his basketball skills at Okemos High School, where he established himself as a productive forward. His development was supported by a family connection to the sport. His father, Hedlun Walton, played college basketball at Alma College, while his twin brother became his teammate throughout high school and eventually at Michigan State.

During his senior season at Okemos, Walton averaged 12.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He also shot 42.3 percent from three-point range, demonstrating his ability to contribute in several statistical categories.

His accomplishments extended beyond basketball. Walton earned Capital Area Activities Conference Academic All-League recognition twice and received Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Academic All-State honors. He and Brennan were also recognized as BCAM Outstanding Senior Student-Athletes.

Walton received honorable mention all-state recognition during his senior year. His achievements reflected a productive high school career that combined basketball performance with academic success.

Walton's move to Michigan State offered an opportunity to continue playing basketball at the Division I level. In July 2024, he and Brennan joined the Spartans as walk-ons under head coach Tom Izzo.

Both players redshirted during the 2024-25 season and initially worked with the scout team. Their responsibilities included helping prepare teammates for opposing teams, learning game plans, and participating in practices designed to replicate upcoming competition.

The transition required a different approach from the one Walton had experienced in high school. Instead of concentrating primarily on his own performance, he had to focus on preparation and helping teammates succeed.

Walton had previous experience assisting with opponent preparation at Okemos, which gave him some familiarity with the responsibilities. Nevertheless, the college environment introduced new physical and tactical demands.

His first season also provided time to work on his conditioning and strength. In an interview published by Michigan State Athletics in May 2025, Walton discussed his weight training and efforts to improve his athleticism.

That period was an important stage of adjustment. Although he did not appear in official games during his redshirt season, he remained involved in the program and continued developing his understanding of college basketball.

Walton made his collegiate playing debut during the 2025-26 season, appearing in 12 games for Michigan State.

He averaged 0.3 points and 0.2 rebounds in 1.3 minutes per game, finishing the season with three points and three rebounds.

His first made field goal came against Toledo on December 16, 2025, when he converted a three-pointer during Michigan State's 92-69 victory. The basket marked his first collegiate field goal after a season spent developing behind the scenes.

Walton also recorded rebounds against Kentucky, Maryland, and UCLA.

His statistics reflect a limited role rather than an established place in the regular rotation. However, his appearances marked a transition from scout-team responsibilities to participation in official college competition.

Michigan State advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Walton was part of the program during that season, although his individual statistical contribution remained limited.

He also earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition for 2025-26, continuing his record of academic achievement.

At 6 feet, 8 inches and 230 pounds, Walton has the physical profile of a college forward. His high school statistics provide the clearest evidence of his playing abilities before entering Michigan State.

His average of 8.1 rebounds per game during his senior season demonstrated his involvement on the boards. His 42.3 percent three-point shooting also showed that he could contribute from the perimeter, while his 2.6 assists per game reflected involvement in creating opportunities for teammates.

Those figures describe his high school performance and should not be confused with his college production. His limited minutes at Michigan State do not provide enough evidence to establish his effectiveness as a regular college scorer, rebounder, or defender.

His scout-team experience has emphasized preparation, understanding opponents, and executing practice assignments. These responsibilities provide opportunities to learn the tactical side of basketball while supporting the team's preparation.

Walton's future role will depend on his continued development and the opportunities available within Michigan State's program.

Walton's documented accomplishments include:

• Two-time Capital Area Activities Conference Academic All-League recognition.
• Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Academic All-State selection.
• BCAM Outstanding Senior Student-Athlete recognition alongside his twin brother.
• High school senior averages of 12.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
• A 42.3 percent three-point shooting mark during his senior season.
• First collegiate field goal against Toledo on December 16, 2025.
• Academic All-Big Ten recognition for the 2025-26 season.

These achievements illustrate his progress as both a student and an athlete, while distinguishing his high school accomplishments from his college statistics.

Walton's basketball journey has been closely connected to his twin brother. Their shared experience at Okemos and Michigan State provided continuity during the transition from high school to college athletics.

Joining the Spartans together also meant adjusting to similar responsibilities. Both had to learn how to contribute to a program in roles that differed from their high school experiences.

The opportunity to continue playing together gave the brothers a familiar presence in a new environment. Their story also highlights the importance of teamwork and patience when pursuing a place in a competitive college program.

Academics have remained another important part of Walton's experience. His high school honors and Academic All-Big Ten recognition demonstrate that his accomplishments extend beyond basketball.

Outside the sport, Walton enjoys golfing. His listed favorite athletes include Roger Federer and Tiger Woods, whom he admires for their work ethic and ability to recover from injuries. His father is also among the people he most admires.

These details offer a glimpse into his interests and influences beyond the basketball court.

As of October 2026, Walton is listed on Michigan State's 2026-27 roster as a redshirt sophomore, wearing jersey number 43.

His next challenge is to continue developing while competing for opportunities within the program. His previous experience includes successful high school production, scout-team responsibilities, official collegiate appearances, and academic recognition.

However, his current role should not be overstated. His college statistics remain limited, and no publicly confirmed individual statistical target establishes what he expects to accomplish during the 2026-27 season.

His progress will depend on continued development, performance in practice, and his ability to contribute when opportunities arise.

Walton's experience highlights an often-overlooked aspect of college basketball. Teams depend on players who prepare for opponents, compete in practice, and help maintain the standards required throughout a season.

His transition from a regular high school contributor to a player with limited college minutes illustrates how dramatically responsibilities can change at the Division I level.

Although his long-term impact at Michigan State remains undetermined, his journey already includes meaningful milestones in athletic development and academics. His continued participation in the program provides an opportunity to build on those foundations.

Colin Walton's journey from Okemos High School to Michigan State has been shaped by family, preparation, and a willingness to embrace a different role.

His high school production established a foundation, while his first two seasons in East Lansing introduced the demands of Division I basketball. Through scout-team responsibilities, his first collegiate appearances, and academic recognition, he has continued developing within the Spartans' program.

His first college three-pointer marked a personal milestone, while his Academic All-Big Ten selection reinforced his achievements beyond the court.

As Walton enters the 2026-27 season, his story remains unfinished. His future contribution will depend on how he develops and responds to the opportunities ahead, making continued progress in the next chapter of his Michigan State basketball career.