Michigan State is getting a head start on the future, reaching into the 2027 recruiting class to offer a scholarship to offensive tackle Caleb Johnson - a name that might not be on every fan’s radar just yet, but one that could be worth remembering.
Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 260-pound lineman out of Noblesville High School in Indiana, announced Tuesday that he’s received an offer from the Spartans. The news came via his social media account, and while he’s currently unrated by 247Sports, that hasn’t stopped Michigan State from making an early move.
This marks the first Power Conference offer for Johnson, which is notable in itself. It’s not uncommon for programs to take calculated swings on raw, high-upside talent before the rest of the recruiting world catches on. Michigan State is clearly betting on potential here - and at this stage in the recruiting cycle, that’s what it’s all about.
Johnson already holds offers from a handful of Group of Five programs, including Marshall, Liberty, Miami (OH), Northern Illinois, Bowling Green, Kent State, and Western Michigan. That’s a solid list for a player still years away from graduation, and it suggests that more schools may be circling.
From a physical standpoint, Johnson has the kind of frame that college coaches love to develop. At 6-foot-5, he’s already got the length to project as a tackle at the next level, and with time to add bulk and refine his technique, there’s a lot of runway here.
For Michigan State, this offer fits a broader trend under the current staff: identifying talent early, building relationships, and getting in the door before the recruiting battles heat up. It’s a strategy that can pay dividends down the line, especially with offensive linemen - a position where development often trumps early rankings.
There’s a long road ahead for Johnson, and plenty of time for his stock to rise. But for now, Michigan State is the first major program to plant its flag. If he continues to grow - both physically and in his game - it might not be the last.