When Michigan State made the unexpected coaching pivot from Jonathan Smith to Pat Fitzgerald, the immediate concern wasn’t just about Xs and Os - it was about holding together a 2026 recruiting class that suddenly found itself in flux. One of the key names in that mix? Brayden Thomas.
Thomas, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound safety out of Lakewood, Ohio, and a standout at St. Edward High School, had originally committed to the Spartans after flipping from Iowa State. But once the coaching change hit, he hit pause - reopening his recruitment and taking a step back to reevaluate.
That’s where Fitzgerald stepped in.
Known for his ability to connect with players and build trust quickly, Fitzgerald had work to do. And in the case of Thomas, it paid off. After a conversation with the new head coach, Thomas is back on board and plans to sign with Michigan State.
This is a win for the Spartans on multiple levels. First, Thomas isn’t just another name in the class - he’s a versatile, athletic safety who brings range and instincts to the back end.
While he’s currently rated as a 3-star recruit, his offer sheet tells a more complete story. Programs like Colorado State, James Madison, and Toledo were all in the mix, and Iowa State clearly saw something in him before Michigan State swooped in.
For Fitzgerald, this is an early example of how he can stabilize a roster and keep key pieces in place, even amid transition. Retaining a player like Thomas sends a message: Michigan State’s future isn’t on hold - it’s being actively built.
And for Thomas, it looks like he’s found the right fit after all.