Michigan State's First Wave of Junior Offers Highlights In-State Talent and a Key Transfer Target
Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald wasted no time making his presence felt on the recruiting trail. In his first wave of junior offers, Fitzgerald turned his focus inward, starting with homegrown talent-and one name in particular stands out: Lundon Hampton from Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills.
Hampton is the kind of athlete who jumps off the screen. At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, he’s got the frame, the speed, and the versatility that coaches dream about. Whether he’s taking handoffs out of the backfield, locking down receivers as a defensive back, or flipping the field on special teams, Hampton has been a major reason why Kenowa Hills has made back-to-back playoff runs.
Now, he’s got his first Big Ten offer-and it’s a big one.
“Coach Fitzgerald was surprised Lundon hadn’t been offered by a Big Ten school yet,” said Kenowa Hills head coach Don Fellows. “We talked about where he fits-offense or defense-but Coach said he just pops off the tape.
He’s athletic, physical, and just a pure football player. We’ve got to get him to East Lansing.”
Hampton already holds offers from Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and several others, but Michigan State is the first Power Five program from the Big Ten to make it official. And that means something-not just for Hampton, but for Fellows, too.
Fellows has a history with Fitzgerald that dates back over a decade. In 2014, while coaching at Grand Rapids Christian, Fellows helped develop offensive lineman Tommy Doles-who would go on to play under Fitzgerald, become a three-year starter, a team captain, and an all-conference selection. Doles left a strong impression on both men, and the respect has clearly carried over.
“I’ve known Coach Fitzgerald for a long time,” Fellows said. “Not super well, but I’ve been to practices, and Tommy was a captain for him.
Knowing Tommy the way I do-that’s one of the best kids I’ve ever coached-and he thinks the world of Coach. That says a lot.
Tommy’s a high-character guy, and if he’s all-in on Coach Fitz, that’s all I need to hear.”
Fellows sees a similar makeup in Hampton.
“Lundon is cut from the same cloth,” he said. “He’s a character kid, a leader, and one of the most humble kids I’ve been around.”
What really stood out to Fellows, though, wasn’t just the offer-it was the personal touch. Despite Hampton holding over 20 offers, only a handful of college coaches have picked up the phone to call his high school coach. Fitzgerald did.
“That’s what resonates with me the most,” Fellows said. “The fact that the head coach still values the high school coach’s word.
That doesn’t happen much anymore. It’s refreshing.
And I already sent him a kid who succeeded under him, so he trusts what I’m telling him.”
Hampton, who earned all-region honors this season, is expected to attend Michigan State’s Junior Day in January.
Transfer Portal Watch: Spartans Target Division II Standout
Michigan State isn’t just focused on the high school ranks. The Spartans have also extended an offer to West Florida wide receiver Corey Scott, a rising name in the transfer portal.
Scott, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound playmaker, has been lighting it up at the Division II level. Over two seasons with the Argonauts, he’s hauled in 97 catches for 1,647 yards and nine touchdowns-production that’s caught the attention of several Power Five programs.
Now that he’s officially in the portal, Scott has drawn offers from Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, UCLA, Cincinnati, and more. And Michigan State is firmly in the mix.
With his blend of speed, route-running, and proven production, Scott could be a valuable addition to a Spartans receiving corps looking to add depth and explosiveness. He’s the kind of under-the-radar talent who could make a real impact at the next level-especially in a system that knows how to maximize playmakers.
As Fitzgerald continues to shape the future of the program, it’s clear he’s not just looking for talent-he’s looking for the right fit. Whether it’s a high-upside high school prospect like Lundon Hampton or a proven transfer like Corey Scott, Michigan State is casting a wide but thoughtful net.