Pat Fitzgerald hasn’t wasted any time hitting the recruiting trail since taking over at Michigan State - and now, the No. 1 prospect in the state of Michigan is firmly in his sights.
While Fitzgerald’s immediate focus has been on the transfer portal to reshape the Spartans' roster for the upcoming season, he’s also laying the groundwork for the future. That includes building strong ties with high school coaches across the state - a crucial step in re-establishing Michigan State as a major player in in-state recruiting. And already, those efforts are starting to pay off.
Later this month, Michigan State is set to host Myles Smith, one of the premier talents in the 2027 recruiting class. Smith, an edge rusher out of Michigan, is ranked as the top player in the state by On3 and sits at No. 3 in the Michigan 2027 composite rankings. Regardless of the exact placement, there’s no question - he’s a big-time prospect at a position of real need for the Spartans.
Michigan State hasn’t had a consistent edge presence since the Mark Dantonio era. That’s not just a hole on the depth chart - it’s a missing piece in the identity of the defense.
A player like Smith, with his size, athleticism, and upside, could be a game-changer. He’s the kind of recruit who could push for early playing time, especially if he enrolls early and gets a head start in the weight room and film room.
But Michigan State isn’t the only school in pursuit. Smith is already drawing serious attention from programs like Michigan, Purdue, Indiana, and Iowa State. That means Fitzgerald and his staff will have to bring their A-game when Smith steps on campus.
This upcoming visit is unofficial, but don’t let that fool you - it’s still a major opportunity. These early visits are where relationships start to form, and in recruiting, relationships often make all the difference.
Fitzgerald’s pitch will likely center on the program’s defensive identity and the experience his staff brings to the table. The Spartans’ defensive line coach has NFL experience, and their co-defensive coordinator is a former All-Big Ten player who also spent time in the league.
That kind of résumé matters, especially to a player who projects as a future pro.
Smith is currently ranked No. 186 nationally and No. 20 among edge rushers in the 2027 class. For a first-year head coach trying to make a splash in his first full recruiting cycle, landing a player of that caliber - and keeping him away from in-state rival Michigan - would be a statement.
There’s still a long road ahead in Smith’s recruitment. Official visits, more offers, and plenty of conversations are on the horizon.
But getting him on campus this early? That’s a strong first step for Fitzgerald and the Spartans.