Michigan State Football Courts Cincinnati Commit Zay'vion Smith

Michigan State football is intensifying its recruiting efforts, recently securing its first consensus 4-star recruit, Caleb Johnson. The Spartans are now focusing on potentially flipping commitments, including 3-star defensive lineman Zay'vion Smith from Warren G. Harding, Ohio. Smith, ranked 1,153rd overall in the 2027 class, recently visited East Lansing. Michigan State has heavily recruited Ohio, with four of its 14 scholarship commitments hailing from the state.

Despite Smith being listed as an offensive tackle, MSU's defensive line coach is leading the pursuit, suggesting a potential positional change. The Spartans' 2027 class currently has fewer than 10 open spots and has not lost any commitments since the new coaching staff took over. The team is looking to add another interior defensive lineman and is considering Dallas Ward as an alternative if Smith remains with Cincinnati.

Dallas Ward, ranked 875th overall and 105th in Georgia, also visited East Lansing recently. He has since visited Rutgers and Minnesota. Michigan State's recruiting class has seen steady growth under the new coaching regime.