News Summary
Michigan State University has announced two recent commitments for its 2026 football recruiting class, with Brayden Thomas and Braylon Hodge joining the Spartans. Thomas, a talented defensive back from Ohio, switched from Iowa State to Michigan State following a campus visit. Hodge, a linebacker from Colorado, also committed after his visit. These additions highlight Michigan State’s strategy to strengthen their roster and attract top talent as they look forward to future seasons.
East Lansing, Michigan – Michigan State University has successfully secured two new commitments for its 2026 recruiting class, reinforcing its strategy to attract talented players as the football program looks to build for the future. Brayden Thomas, a three-star defensive back from Ohio and a former Iowa State commit, announced his commitment to the Spartans on Monday via social media. Thomas joins fellow recruit Braylon Hodge, a three-star linebacker from Colorado, who committed to Michigan State just a day prior.
Brayden Thomas, listed as the No. 71 safety and No. 843 overall player in the 2026 class by 247Sports Composite, stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 175 pounds. He was part of the St. Edward High School football team and initially pledged his commitment to Iowa State back in February 2023. His decision to flip to Michigan State followed a recent visit to the campus, where he experienced the program firsthand.
On the preceding Sunday, Braylon Hodge also made headlines by committing to the Spartans after his own campus visit. Hodge adds to a growing list of commitments for Michigan State, which now boasts six players in its 2026 recruiting class, all rated as three-stars. Other recruits include quarterback Kayd Coffman, tight ends Eddie Whiting and Joey Caudill, and offensive lineman Eli Bickel.
Strategic Recruitment for Future Success
With the recent commitments, Michigan State aims to strengthen its roster and improve its reputation among Big Ten schools. The Spartans are also looking beyond the 2026 class, actively pursuing high-profile prospects in the 2027 recruiting class. One notable recruit is four-star quarterback Hank Hendrix from Fayetteville, Arkansas, who received an offer from the Spartans this week. Hendrix is currently the top prospect in Arkansas and the 10th ranked quarterback nationally for the 2027 class.
Hendrix had an impressive sophomore season, showcasing significant skills with 4,237 passing yards, 46 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. His performance included a remarkable 70.4% completion rate and over 100 rushing yards, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities. In addition to football, he also excels in varsity basketball, showcasing his athletic prowess across multiple sports.
However, Michigan State faces competition as they pursue Hendrix, with several top programs, including Michigan, Arkansas, and Oklahoma State, also vying for his commitment. Currently, Michigan State’s 2027 recruiting class ranks fifth overall, primarily driven by the commitment of safety Khalil Terry from Tustin, California. Terry selected Michigan State over 28 other offers, highlighting the program’s upward trajectory in recruiting.
Building a Strong Foundation
Coach Jonathan Smith is at the helm of these recruitment efforts, placing significant emphasis on establishing a strong culture with high school recruits. The focus is on building a foundation that will enhance the program’s performance in the upcoming seasons. With recent commitments and active outreach to top recruits, Michigan State is intent on securing serious talent for both the 2027 class and beyond.
This strategic approach is designed not only to boost Michigan State’s standing in college football but also to position the Spartans as a premier program within the Big Ten. The combination of securing early commitments and targeting high-caliber prospects illustrates the program’s dedication to future success and talent retention.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Hank Hendrix Recruitment
- Wikipedia: 2026 College Football Recruiting Class
- SI: Khalil Terry Commitment
- Google Search: Michigan State Football Recruiting
- SI: 2026 Recruits Overview
- Google Scholar: Michigan State University Football Recruiting
- SI: Maliek Bracy Recruitment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michigan State University
- SI: Salesi Moa and Travis Hunter
- Google News: Michigan State Spartans Football
