After a down recruiting cycle, the Michigan State Spartans have bounced back in a big way, landing the No. 2 class in the country for 2026 under coach Tom Izzo, according to ESPN.
Leading the group is five-star center Ethan Taylor (No. 32), joined by guard Jasiah Jervis (No. 50), forward Julius Avent (No. 70) and point guard Carlos Medlock Jr. (No. 89).
Taylor’s versatile defensive profile and floor-running ability address a major need for the Spartans, while Jervis brings offensive firepower and two-way capacity. Avent and Medlock add depth and regional ties for Michigan State’s frontcourt and backcourt, respectively.
With this refreshed class, will Michigan State regain its standing among the Big Ten elite? Izzo will rely on a mix of veteran leadership and this incoming talent to make the leap.
But there's also the question of NIL being a major factor in the coming years. With rival Michigan having a mega billionaire donor and other following to compete in the arms race, MSU can't do it on talent alone.
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