Four-Star QB Kayd Coffman Commits to Michigan State: “I See Myself Growing as a Man in East Lansing”
Michigan State football just landed a big piece of its 2026 recruiting class - and it comes at a pivotal time for the program.
Kayd Coffman, a four-star quarterback out of East Kentwood, is signing with the Spartans on early signing day, reaffirming his commitment even amid major coaching changes. The 6-foot-3 signal-caller helped lead the Falcons to a 10-3 season, their first district and regional titles in over a decade, and a trip to the Division 1 state semifinals - where they fell to the eventual state champs. He’s ranked as the No. 5 player in Michigan for his class, the No. 25 quarterback nationally, and the No. 364 overall prospect, per 247 Sports' composite rankings.
Coffman had no shortage of suitors - with programs like Colorado, Ohio State, Ole Miss, and Duke showing interest - but in the end, he chose to stay close to home and commit to a Spartans program that’s looking to rebuild under new leadership.
And he’s not just signing - he’s all in.
“A Sense of Calm, Peace, and Home”
Coffman’s decision wasn’t just about football. In his own words, it started with something deeper - a feeling he couldn’t shake whenever he visited East Lansing.
“The first and most significant reason is truly feeling called to be in East Lansing for the next phase of my life,” Coffman said. “I have gone and visited other spots in the past and nowhere had that same feeling that East Lansing had.
The sense of calm, peace, and the sense of home. I really see myself growing as a man in East Lansing.”
That kind of conviction matters - especially when you’re talking about a young quarterback stepping into a program in transition. It’s not just about X’s and O’s for Coffman. It’s about where he believes he can grow, both on and off the field.
Belief in the People - Even Through Change
Coffman’s commitment comes just days after Michigan State fired head coach Jonathan Smith and brought in Pat Fitzgerald to lead the program. That’s a shake-up that could’ve rattled a lot of recruits. But for Coffman, it only reaffirmed his belief in the people around the program - even if some of those names have changed.
“While this has changed a little in the past week on who is going to be there,” Coffman said, “I am reaffirmed that I will be surrounded by great coaches, academic staff and teammates to help guide me. In all my endeavors, these great humans will challenge me as a player, student, and young man.”
That’s a mature perspective from a high school junior - and it speaks to the kind of leadership Michigan State is bringing in with this class. Coffman isn’t just betting on a coaching staff. He’s betting on a culture.
A Chance to Make an Impact - Close to Home
Coffman also sees a unique opportunity in East Lansing - one that goes beyond proximity to home. He wants to be part of the solution. He wants to help bring Michigan State football back to where it believes it belongs.
“This is a unique opportunity with this being a university that is close to home,” he said, “a program that has not been what it is supposed to be, and going to get an elite education as well.”
Coffman’s commitment is about more than just playing time or prestige. It’s about purpose. He wants to help elevate a program that’s been through its share of ups and downs - and he wants to do it while getting a top-tier education and staying connected to his roots.
“I Can’t Wait to Get to Work”
Before he even steps on campus, Coffman is already embracing the Spartan fanbase - and the energy around his commitment is mutual.
“I want to give a shout-out to the fanbase and all the encouragement and support I have gotten in the past year,” he said. “I can’t wait to officially be in the family and get to work on campus! SD4L.”
That last part? “Spartan Dawgs for Life.”
It’s more than a hashtag - it’s a mindset. And Coffman’s already living it.
With a strong arm, poise in the pocket, and a clear sense of leadership, Coffman brings more than just talent to Michigan State. He brings belief - in himself, in the program, and in what’s possible when the right people come together with a shared vision.
For a team looking to turn the page and write a new chapter, Coffman might just be the quarterback to help lead the way.