Michigan State Lands Three 5-Star Recruits Ahead of Crucial Nebraska Showdown
East Lansing, Mich. – Just days before their pivotal Big Ten clash against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium, Michigan State football has scored a massive recruiting victory, securing commitments from three elite 5-star prospects in the Class of 2026.
In a whirlwind 72 hours that has shaken up the national recruiting landscape, head coach Jonathan Smith’s program landed quarterback Kayd Coffman, defensive end Richard Wesley, and offensive lineman Ethan Taylor — marking the highest-rated trio of pledges in school history at this stage, per 247Sports Composite rankings.
Coffman, a top-10 national recruit and the No. 3 quarterback in the country, flipped from Ohio State to Michigan State after impressing scouts at the Elite11 regional camp. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound standout from St. Joseph, Mich., cited Smith’s offensive vision and fan passion as decisive factors. “Coach Smith believes in me as the leader of this offense, and Spartan Nation made it feel like home,” Coffman said Tuesday. His commitment fills a key void at quarterback with veteran Noah Kim nearing the end of his eligibility.
Wesley, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound edge rusher from Arizona’s Salpointe Catholic, decommitted from Oregon to join the Spartans. Ranked No. 1 among defensive ends nationwide, Wesley’s explosive first step and relentless pursuit have drawn comparisons to former All-American Jack Jones. Announcing his decision on Wednesday, Wesley strengthens a defensive front already holding opponents to under 100 rushing yards per game.
The trio is rounded out by Taylor, a dominant 6-foot-5, 320-pound interior lineman from Detroit King and the top-ranked guard in the country. With offers from Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan, Taylor chose to stay home, citing Michigan State’s player development and Smith’s emphasis on the trenches. “He’s a cornerstone piece — a day-one starter who sets the tone in the run game,” offensive line coach Jim Michalczik said. Taylor visited East Lansing during last weekend’s 34-17 win over Maryland before making his decision official.
The commitments couldn’t come at a better time for the 3-1 (1-0 Big Ten) Spartans, whose defense ranks among the nation’s best in sacks but whose offense has struggled to find consistency. Facing Nebraska’s stingy secondary — which leads the nation, allowing just 75.8 passing yards per game — Michigan State will need every ounce of momentum it can muster to keep pace with Huskers quarterback Dylan Raiola, who’s already thrown for over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Coach Smith, now in his second season, praised the recruits’ belief in the program’s direction. “These guys aren’t just stars — they’re the backbone of where we’re headed,” he said Thursday. “We’ve got our eyes on Lincoln. A statement win there, and everything changes.”
Nebraska enters the contest 3-1 after a narrow 30-27 loss to No. 21 Michigan, where Raiola’s late surge fell just short. Saturday’s matchup promises a battle of strength versus strength — Michigan State’s emerging front seven against Nebraska’s aerial prowess — as both programs look to stake an early claim in the Big Ten race.
Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET on FOX. With recruiting momentum building and on-field success taking shape, Michigan State’s newest 5-star trio could be the cornerstone of a future playoff contender.