Michigan State is making its presence felt on the recruiting trail, and one of their latest targets is starting to turn heads. Offensive tackle Reed Gerken, a high three-star prospect out of Perrysburg, Ohio, has named the Spartans among his top 10 schools as he narrows down his options in the 2027 recruiting class.
Gerken, ranked No. 38 among offensive tackles and the No. 14 overall player in Ohio by 247Sports, is a name to watch. At 6-foot-6 with a frame that already holds up well in the trenches, he’s the kind of prospect with the tools to develop into a cornerstone at the next level. He’s also listed as the No. 442 overall prospect in the class - a solid national ranking that puts him firmly on the radar of major programs.
Michigan State made their move during a recent campus visit, offering Gerken a scholarship while he was in East Lansing. That in-person experience clearly made an impact, as the Spartans now find themselves in the mix alongside schools like Tennessee, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, Stanford, Arkansas, NC State, Cincinnati, and Pitt.
For Michigan State, this is more than just being on a list - it’s an indication that the staff is connecting with key prospects early in the cycle. Getting an offensive lineman like Gerken on campus and locking in an offer shows intent. The Spartans are clearly prioritizing building up their trenches, and Gerken fits that mold with his size, athleticism, and upside.
While there’s still a long way to go in his recruitment, Michigan State has positioned itself well. The Spartans have laid the groundwork, and now it’s about maintaining that momentum as Gerken continues to evaluate his options.
He’s expected to trim his list further in the coming months, and if Michigan State continues to build that relationship, they could be in this one until the end. For a program looking to re-establish its identity in the Big Ten, landing a player like Gerken would be a step in the right direction - both literally and figuratively - in the trenches.