As Michigan State gears up for spring ball, new head coach Pat Fitzgerald is diving headfirst into a significant challenge. With a roster in need of a "rebirth," as Fitzgerald puts it, and a 2027 recruiting class to assemble, there's no shortage of tasks on his plate.
Fitzgerald has already secured commitments from two promising recruits for 2027: three-star lineman Grant Adloff and three-star running back Savior Owens. Both hail from the Midwest, aligning with the recruiting strategy once championed by Mark Dantonio.
Pennsylvania, another fruitful recruiting ground for Dantonio, is also receiving Fitzgerald's attention. Recently, Fitzgerald made the "final five" for one of his top targets from the Keystone State, three-star linebacker Zykee Scott. Scott revealed his top choices on Monday evening, listing Michigan State alongside North Carolina, Pitt, Wake Forest, and Tennessee.
Scott's top five is an intriguing mix of three ACC programs, one SEC contender, and Michigan State. His final decision remains uncertain, but his talent is undeniable.
If early playing time is a priority, Michigan State could be an attractive option, especially with Jordan Hall's departure opening opportunities. Wake Forest, Pitt, and North Carolina also offer potential pathways to early action, but none boast the presence of a Max Bullough.
Ranked as the nation’s No. 418 overall recruit and the 32nd-best linebacker by 247Sports, Scott had over a dozen offers before narrowing down his list.
Max Bullough's impact is already resonating
Bullough is making waves, not just with his motivational speeches but also on the recruiting trail. His influence, along with that of Joe Rossi, is evident as they pursue Scott, a top-450 linebacker, to join a roster poised for success in the near future.
With Hall moving on, Scott would enter a group featuring Brady Pretzlaff, Adam Shaw, and DeJae White. While this lineup may be somewhat untested, it brims with potential.
Landing Scott would be a significant win for Bullough and the Spartans, setting high expectations for the linebacker position in 2026 and beyond.