Sunday was a rollercoaster in East Lansing - and not just for Michigan State fans. The Spartans made a stunning coaching pivot that sent shockwaves through the program, including its current roster and recruiting class.
In a matter of hours, Jonathan Smith was out, and Pat Fitzgerald was in. That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen by accident.
Athletic director J Batt clearly had a plan in place and moved fast to execute it, landing one of the most respected names on the coaching market. It was a bold move - and a clear signal that Michigan State isn’t interested in waiting around to rebuild.
But with any coaching change, there’s a ripple effect. Recruits and current players are suddenly faced with big decisions.
The transfer portal is open for business, and the Spartans have already seen movement, with running back Makhi Frazier announcing he’s entering the portal. Expect more names to follow, whether they’re exploring new opportunities or deciding to stick it out in East Lansing.
The recruiting front is where things get especially interesting. The 2026 class has already taken some hits, losing four-star commitments from Braylon Hodge and Tyren Wortham during the team’s recent losing skid.
And there’s buzz that four-star running back Samson Gash - a major piece of the class - is weighing his options after a visit to Alabama. No decision there yet, but it’s a situation to watch closely.
Still, amid the uncertainty, Michigan State got a major win on Monday.
Just 24 hours after the coaching shakeup, four-star quarterback Kayd Coffman reaffirmed his commitment to the Spartans. That’s a big-time signal of stability in a moment that could’ve easily gone the other way. Coffman, fresh off leading East Kentwood to a deep playoff run in Michigan - a run that ended with a loss to none other than Gash and Detroit Catholic Central - made it clear he’s all in.
“Thank you Coach Smith and the staff for believing in me. With that being said I will be signing this Wednesday.
Go Green!” Coffman posted on social media.
This isn’t just a recruit staying put - this is a quarterback stepping up to be a foundational piece of the Fitzgerald era. And let’s be honest: for a new coach walking into a transition like this, having your QB1 locked in is huge. That’s the kind of early win that can help stabilize a class and send a message to other commits and targets.
Coffman’s decision shows leadership, belief in the program, and a willingness to ride through the storm. That matters, especially at a position where confidence and commitment go hand in hand.
Now, the attention turns to Fitzgerald and his staff. They’ve got work to do - phone calls to make, relationships to build or rebuild, and a class to solidify before signing day. But if Coffman is any indication of what’s to come, the Spartans may be better positioned than expected to weather the transition.
And unlike when Smith took over, the quarterback room isn’t a question mark heading into the offseason. With Coffman locked in and the possibility of Alessio Milivojevic returning, Michigan State’s QB situation might be the most stable piece of the puzzle right now.
There’s still a lot of movement ahead - both in the portal and on the recruiting trail - but the Spartans just got a much-needed anchor. And in college football, having your quarterback in place is the first step toward building everything else.