Recruiting isn't just a spreadsheet of stars and rankings. It's a frantic, late-night series of FaceTime calls and gut-check decisions. Honestly, the last few months for Michigan State football have been a total whirlwind.
When Pat Fitzgerald took the reins in East Lansing this past December, the clock wasn't just ticking; it was screaming. He inherited a 2026 class that was basically in limbo after Jonathan Smith’s departure. Most fans expected a mass exodus. Instead, what we saw was a masterclass in roster retention that has the Spartans sitting in a much better spot than anyone predicted a month ago.
The Pat Fitzgerald Effect and the 11:30 PM FaceTime Calls
You’ve got to appreciate the grind. Fitzgerald recently mentioned his voice was raspy for a reason—he was on FaceTime with high schoolers until 11:30 p.m. right before the early signing period. That’s the reality of modern college football.
The Spartans managed to sign 18 players for the 2026 class, keeping 16 of the 20 guys who were originally committed to the previous staff. That’s a 80% retention rate during a coaching change. That just doesn't happen often. It's a testament to the "Spartan Dawg" culture and, frankly, Fitzgerald’s ability to sell a vision on zero sleep.
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The Names You Need to Know Right Now
Let’s look at the actual Michigan State football commits making waves.
Collin Campbell is the crown jewel. Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 280 pounds, this offensive tackle out of Williams Field in Arizona is a mountain of a human. He’s a four-star prospect and arguably the most important signature on those papers. If you want to compete in the Big Ten, you need guys who can erase pass rushers. Campbell is that guy.
Then there’s the local hero, Kayd Coffman.
He’s a 6-foot-2 quarterback from East Kentwood. Keeping him was massive. Coffman had plenty of reasons to look elsewhere when the coaching staff flipped, but he stayed locked in. He’s got the frame and the arm talent to be the future face of the program.
Key 2026 Signees at a Glance:
- Samson Gash (WR): The big "what if" right now. He’s a four-star talent from Detroit Catholic Central who hasn't signed his NLI yet. He's looking at February. He’s the top-ranked receiver in Michigan, and losing him to someone like Alabama would sting.
- Zachary Washington (WR): He’s got 4.37 speed. You can't teach that. He briefly reopened his recruitment but ultimately decided East Lansing was home.
- Tristan Comer (OT): Another 6-foot-6 bookend tackle from Freeland, Michigan. Between him and Campbell, the Spartans are building a literal wall.
- Joey Caudill (TE): A big-bodied target from Ohio who signed early.
The Samson Gash Situation: Why We’re All Holding Our Breath
If there’s one bit of drama left, it’s Samson Gash.
He’s currently a "hard commit," but in 2026, that phrase is basically written in pencil until the Letter of Intent is faxed over. Gash is the No. 6 prospect in the state. He has family ties to the program—his brother Caleb is a defensive back for the Spartans—but the heavy hitters are circling.
Alabama has been pushing hard. Gash decided to wait until the February signing period to make it official. If Fitzgerald pulls this off, it’s a statement. If not, it’s a reminder of how cutthroat the top tier of recruiting really is.
Transitioning Through the Portal
Recruiting isn't just about high schools anymore. It’s about the portal.
The Spartans have seen some tough departures, like star receiver Nick Marsh heading to Indiana and quarterback Aidan Chiles looking for a new start.
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But the intake is just as important. The staff has been aggressive, bringing in 24 transfers to plug immediate holes. Names like Jaziun Patterson (RB) and Charles Brantley (CB) are expected to provide the veteran leadership this young 2026 class will need when they step on campus.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That a "No. 45 national ranking" means the class is a failure.
Context matters. Michigan State is coming off a 4-8 season and a coaching change. In that environment, finishing ahead of programs like Nebraska or Wisconsin in the Big Ten recruiting rankings is a win.
They focused on "quality over quantity," specifically on the lines. You don't win Big Ten titles with flashy receivers alone; you win them with guys like Eli Bickel and Jack Ziarko in the interior. This class is heavy on the "big fellas," which is exactly what the doctor ordered for a team trying to regain its physical identity.
Real Talk on the Rankings
National rankings are fun for fans, but coaches look at "positional hits."
- Offensive Line: A+ (Campbell and Comer are elite gets).
- Quarterback: B+ (Coffman is a stud, but they need depth).
- Secondary: B- (Lots of three-stars, need a blue-chip corner).
Actionable Insights for the Spartan Faithful
If you're following these Michigan State football commits, don't just look at the star ratings. Watch the film on the offensive linemen. That is where the 2026 season will be won or lost.
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Keep a close eye on the February signing day for Samson Gash. His decision will be the final grade on this transition class. Also, watch the spring portal window; Fitzgerald isn't done tinkering with this roster yet. The groundwork is laid, but the house isn't finished.
The next step for any serious fan is to track the remaining open spots. The Spartans still have room for a couple more impact transfers, specifically on the defensive line. Checking the official 247Sports or On3 trackers daily during the January window is the only way to stay ahead of the news.