Pat Fitzgerald’s first full recruiting class at Michigan State is officially in the books, and while the Spartans may not have cracked the top tier nationally just yet, there’s real reason for optimism in East Lansing. This 2026 group may not be the flashiest on paper, but it’s shaping up to be a foundational class-one that could quietly set the tone for the Fitzgerald era.
Let’s start with the headliner: offensive lineman Collin Campbell, who landed at No. 65 in On3’s latest national rankings. That’s elite territory, and for good reason.
Campbell is a high-upside trench anchor, the kind of lineman you build an offense around. The fact that he stuck with Michigan State after the coaching change speaks volumes-not just about his commitment, but about the early trust Fitzgerald has earned from his recruits.
Campbell isn’t alone in the top 300. Fellow offensive lineman Eli Bickel comes in at No. 170, giving the Spartans a pair of highly touted bookends up front.
That’s a big deal for a program looking to re-establish its identity in the trenches. Fitzgerald has always emphasized physicality, and these two linemen fit that mold.
At quarterback, Kayd Coffman checks in at No. 203.
He’s a name to remember. While he may not be the most talked-about signal-caller in this class nationally, his tools and leadership potential make him a strong candidate to be the Spartans’ quarterback of the future.
He’ll have time to develop, but don’t be surprised if he pushes for playing time sooner than expected.
Tight end Joey Caudill rounds out the group at No. 235.
He’s a versatile piece-big, athletic, and physical in the run game. With the right development, he could become a key cog in Michigan State’s offense, especially in a system that figures to lean on tight ends for both blocking and pass-catching duties.
And there may be more help on the way. Samson Gash, ranked No. 188 nationally, hasn’t committed yet-but if he does land in East Lansing, he’d add another dynamic element to this class. Gash is the kind of player who could make an immediate impact, especially in a roster that’s still taking shape.
Beyond the rankings, there’s a quiet confidence building around this group. The 2026 class might not be sitting in the top 25, but it’s full of high-ceiling players and under-the-radar talent.
Guys like Zachary Washington, Adam Shaw, and Eddie Whiting may not have the national spotlight yet, but they’re names the coaching staff is excited about internally. Add in a transfer class that’s expected to bring in experience and depth, and suddenly the Spartans have a more complete picture heading into spring.
Make no mistake-this is still a rebuild. Michigan State is coming off a stretch where wins were hard to come by, and the Big Ten isn’t getting any easier.
But Fitzgerald has a track record of building tough, disciplined teams, and this class fits that blueprint. It’s not flashy, but it’s full of guys who play with an edge and have something to prove.
The climb back to Big Ten relevance won’t happen overnight. But the pieces are starting to come together. If this 2026 group develops the way the staff believes it can, we could be looking back in a few years and pointing to this class as the one that quietly kickstarted the Spartans’ resurgence.