Michigan State's 2026 Recruiting Class Faces Turbulence After Coaching Shake-Up
Thank you Coach Smith and the staff for believing in me. With that being said I will be signing this Wednesday. Go Green! #SD4L pic.twitter.com/Qus38GopEM
— Kayd coffman (@kayd_mc3) December 1, 2025
The dust is still settling in East Lansing after a whirlwind coaching change that’s already sending ripple effects through Michigan State’s 2026 recruiting class. Just one day after firing head coach Jonathan Smith, the Spartans made headlines by hiring former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald-a move that has sparked both departures and commitments across the board.
I will forever be grateful for what coach smith has done for me and my family. I am 100% committed to Michigan State University and can’t wait to get to work! #GoGreen #spartandawg pic.twitter.com/4dUG9sRaBW
— Joeycaudill10 (@Joey_caudill10) December 1, 2025
Let’s be clear: when a coaching change hits, especially one this sudden, it’s not just about Xs and Os. Relationships matter. Players build trust with coaches during the recruiting process, and when those coaches are gone, it's no surprise that some start re-evaluating their futures.
Staying committed to Michigan State. Thankful for everything Coach Jonathan Smith did for me—wishing him nothing but the best. Ready to represent Spartan Nation. 💚 #GoGreen #SD4L pic.twitter.com/rBhZY8NQcQ
— Adam Shaw (@Adam_Shawdawg) November 30, 2025
That’s exactly what’s happening now.
Key Departures: Portal Movement Begins
My commitment to Michigan State hasn’t changed. I trust J Batt and MSU leadership to make the right hire. I’m locked in, excited to be a Spartan, and ready to get to work to help bring a championship back to East Lansing. Go Green.🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/INkH8WvMMd
— Tristan Comer ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@comer_tristan) December 1, 2025
Two of Michigan State’s top offensive weapons have already announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal. Leading rusher Makhi Frazier and top wideout Nick Marsh are both on the move. These are not small losses-Frazier and Marsh were central to MSU’s offensive identity, and their exits mark a significant shift in the program’s immediate outlook.
I first would like to thank Coach Smith for the opportunities he has given me. With that said I am looking forward to signing my NLI December 3rd! #GoGreen #spartandawg pic.twitter.com/dUuUsLjBGX
— Edward (Eddie) Whiting (@EdwardWhiting9) December 1, 2025
Who's Still Locked In?
Still locked in 100% Thanks @Coach_Smith for believing in my abilities Im ready to get to East Lansing and put the Spartans back on Top!! #GoGreen💚 @MSUFBRecruiting @MSU_Football @JA_Adams06 @adamgorney @JohnGarcia_Jr @ChadSimmons_ @ImpactLionsfb @JerrandN pic.twitter.com/4KYHNfvIYd
— 3⭐️ Eliyjah “TurnUp” Caldwell-Hardy (@turn_up14) November 30, 2025
Amid the uncertainty, several 2026 recruits have stepped up to reaffirm their commitment to the Spartans. None may be more important than Kayd Coffman, a highly touted in-state quarterback from East Kentwood.
Ranked as the No. 18 QB in the class of 2026 by Rivals, Coffman confirmed on Wednesday that he still plans to sign with MSU.
That’s a big win for Fitzgerald and his staff, especially considering how critical quarterback stability is during a transition.
Tight end Joey Caudill is another name to know. At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, he brings a rare blend of size and athleticism-he even played quarterback in high school.
Caudill, a four-star recruit per Rivals and a composite high three-star, announced he’s sticking with Michigan State. Fellow commit Brayden Thomas, a three-star safety, seemed to back that decision with a supportive quote tweet, signaling unity among some of the class.
Legacy and Local Talent Staying Home
Thank you so much Coach smith for believing in me, and for everything you did for the program. With all that said I am signing on December 3rd. @MSU_Football pic.twitter.com/WwB85nIGu2
— Eli Bickel (@eli_bickel_26) December 2, 2025
Adam Shaw, a consensus three-star safety out of New Jersey, is also staying on board. Shaw brings a strong family connection to the program-his father, Scott Shaw, was an All-American offensive lineman and a fifth-round NFL Draft pick in 1998. That kind of pedigree doesn’t hurt, especially when trying to build a culture under a new regime.
Due to the recent coaching change at Michigan State and uncertainty, I will remain Committed to MSU but have decided to re-open my recruitment and sign in February. @AllenTrieu @GregSmithRivals @adamgorney @SWiltfong_ pic.twitter.com/QzMZqbr2sU
— Samson Gash 4⭐️WR (@GashSamson) December 2, 2025
MSU has also done well to secure in-state talent. Comer, who began his high school career as a tight end and also played basketball, ranks 19th among Michigan players in his class. He’s not just sticking with the Spartans-he’s helping solidify the foundation of a class that’s trying to weather the storm.
BREAKING: Class of 2026 Safety Jordan Vann has Flipped his Commitment from Michigan State to Louisville, he tells me for @rivals⁰⁰The 6’1 200 S had been Committed to the Spartans since June⁰⁰“I’m home Go Cards #AGTG 🤍❤️”⁰⁰https://t.co/vMVzErXBJU pic.twitter.com/EGlK8Fzwks
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 1, 2025
Another tight end, Eddie Whiting from Sioux Falls, S.D., reaffirmed his commitment as well. Whiting’s offer list speaks volumes-he had interest from Iowa, Michigan, Alabama, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and several other Power Four programs. Yet he’s choosing to stay with MSU.
While I remain committed to MSU, I am opening my recruitment until early signing day. @adamgorney @GregSmithRivals @EDGYTIM @EDGYTIM @CoachMac44 https://t.co/BLUEeD4gve
— Zachary Washington (@zach5washington) December 1, 2025
weeks 1-11 highlights pic.twitter.com/x4NWKN9pq9
Also locked in: Eliyjah Caldwell-Hardy, a safety from Jacksonville, Fla., who’s been verbally committed since June and plans to sign on Wednesday. Christopher Knauls Jr., a Frisco, Texas native, and Bickel, a prospect out of North Branch, Michigan, round out the group of commits who’ve publicly confirmed they’re staying green.
Still Committed, But Exploring
Not every recruit is ready to sign on the dotted line just yet-and that’s understandable.
Gash, the third-highest-ranked recruit in MSU’s class, is one of the biggest names still on the fence. The Detroit Catholic Central standout has been verbally committed since June, but he’s holding off on signing until February. He also took an official visit to Alabama in November, so this one will be worth watching.
Vann, who had also been committed since June, made his decision this week-he’s flipping to Louisville.
ATTETNTION COACHES ‼️‼️
— Hudson Aultman C/O 26 (@hudson_aultman) November 30, 2025
Following coach Smith firing at MSU.
I’m remaining committed to MSU while opening my recruitment until National Signing day Dec 3-5th!!!
Washington, out of St. Francis in Illinois, is still verbally committed but keeping his options open until signing day. His head coach, Ivan Milivojevic, is the father of fellow recruit Alessio Milivojevic, which adds an interesting dynamic to his decision-making process.
Aultman, who was flipped from Miami (OH) by Smith’s staff in November, is in a similar boat. He’s still committed but listening to other schools. The same goes for Favorite, a South Carolina native who committed in June but hasn’t shut the door on other opportunities.
The Road Ahead
Due to the firing of Coach Smith, I remain committed to Michigan State but will be reopening my recruitment until the National Signing Period Dec. 3-5th!! pic.twitter.com/YLYzktjTQ7
— Jeremiah “JFav” Favorite (@JFavv9) November 30, 2025
The coming weeks will be crucial for Pat Fitzgerald and his staff. Retaining as much of this 2026 class as possible-and potentially adding new names to it-will be the first major test of Fitzgerald’s tenure in East Lansing.
For now, Michigan State fans can take some comfort in the fact that several key recruits are staying committed despite the coaching turnover. But the portal is open, the phones are ringing, and the recruiting trail is heating up. Buckle up, Spartan Nation-this offseason is just getting started.