Michigan State has lost a significant recruit from its own backyard. Jace Clarizio, a 2025 running back from East Lansing High School, announced on social media that he has flipped his commitment to Alabama.
Clarizio, a legacy recruit whose father, Craig Johnson, played for Michigan State under George Perles and was part of the 1987 Rose Bowl-winning team, had been verbally committed to the Spartans since May. However, after receiving an offer from Alabama earlier this month, he decided to change course. Notably, Alabama’s offensive line coach, Chris Kapilovic, spent the previous four seasons at Michigan State before joining the Crimson Tide.
The flip occurred just a day after Michigan State landed a commitment from 2025 three-star running back Zion Gist, who flipped from Western Michigan. The Spartans now have 15 commits in their 2025 recruiting class, ranked 61st nationally by the 247Sports Composite, with Frankenmuth defensive tackle Derrick Simmons as the lone four-star recruit. The early signing period is set for Dec. 4-6.
Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, Clarizio is ranked as the No. 6 player in Michigan, the No. 37 running back, and the No. 493 overall prospect in the 2025 class. While he had long been a fan of Michigan State and described committing to the Spartans as a dream come true, he emphasized the importance of finding the best fit for himself.
This marks another notable loss for Michigan State in recruiting from its hometown, following receiver Andrel Anthony, who flipped to Michigan before transferring to Oklahoma.
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