BREAKING: Nation’s No. 1 Recruiting Class Chooses Michigan State Spartans Basketball Over Duke, Kentucky, and the Field
In a stunning culmination to one of the most hotly contested recruiting battles of the cycle, Michigan State University has secured the No. 1 ranked recruiting class for 2026, according to 247Sports composite rankings. The decisive blow came in November 2025 when five-star center Ethan Taylor, a towering 7-foot-1, 244-pound force from Link Academy (Mo.), announced his commitment to the Spartans, vaulting Tom Izzo’s program ahead of perennial powerhouses like Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, and Arkansas.
This isn’t just any top class—it’s a balanced, high-upside quartet that addresses every need on the floor and signals a potential shift in the college basketball landscape. For years, the Blue Devils and Wildcats have dominated the recruiting headlines, but Izzo’s relentless pursuit and old-school relationship-building have delivered a masterpiece, reminding the nation that Michigan State remains a premier destination for elite talent.
The crown jewel is Ethan Taylor, ranked as high as No. 23 overall and the No. 2 center in the class. Originally from Kansas, Taylor transferred to the powerhouse Link Academy program, where he dominated with averages of 14 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game on 70% shooting as a junior. His blend of size, mobility, and touch has drawn comparisons to former Purdue star Zach Edey and even MSU great Jaren Jackson Jr. Taylor chose the Spartans over a finalist list that included blue-bloods Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Oregon, and Oklahoma.
In his commitment announcement on CBS Sports HQ, Taylor cited Izzo’s intense recruiting style as a key factor: “Coach Izzo was very, very hard on me during the recruiting process—he recruited me very hard. I think I heard from him most out of any head coach. The fan base is insane; on my visit, I was crowd surfing!”
Taylor’s addition completed a class that already featured three four-star prospects: point guard Carlos Medlock Jr. (No. 118 overall, from Wayne Memorial in Michigan, now at Link Academy), shooting guard Jasiah Jervis (No. 38 overall, from Archbishop Stepinac in New York), and power forward Julius Avent (No. 78 overall, from Bergen Catholic in New Jersey).
Medlock, a dynamic scorer who averaged nearly 25 points per game in high school, brings in-state flair and playmaking. Jervis is a sharpshooting wing with championship pedigree, having won multiple state and city titles. Avent, a versatile 6-7 forward, adds athleticism and rebounding prowess.
Together, this group forms a perfectly balanced unit: a floor general, a knockdown shooter, a multi-tool forward, and a dominant rim protector. According to 247Sports, their composite score edged out Kansas for the top spot, with analysts praising the class’s depth and immediate impact potential.
Tom Izzo, the Hall of Fame coach entering his 31st season at MSU, couldn’t hide his excitement during the early signing period in November 2025. “I think we just came off one of our better recruiting classes in years and years,” Izzo said. “I give a lot of credit to my entire staff.” He highlighted Taylor’s personality and developing skill set, noting his readiness to contribute physically from day one.
This haul comes on the heels of a disappointing 2025 class that ranked outside the top 25, making the 2026 turnaround even more impressive. Izzo has long relied on player development over one-and-done stars, but this group has the talent to compete with anyone. The Spartans boast a storied history—eight Final Fours, two national titles (2000 under Izzo), and consistent NCAA Tournament appearances.
Fans packed the Breslin Center for visits, chanting recruits’ names and creating an electric atmosphere that Taylor described as “crazy.” It’s a reminder of the passionate Izzone student section and the program’s loyal alumni network, including NBA stars like Draymond Green, Miles Bridges, and Jaren Jackson Jr.
What does this mean for the future? Arriving in 2026-27, this class could pair with returning veterans and transfers to form a legitimate national championship contender. Izzo, at 71, shows no signs of slowing down, outworking younger coaches on the trail.
Rivals like Duke (bolstered by recent five-stars) and Kentucky will reload as always, but Michigan State’s No. 1 class proves that culture, development, and relentless effort still win out. Spartan Nation is buzzing—this isn’t just a top class; it’s a statement that East Lansing is back at the forefront of college basketball recruiting.
As the 2025-26 season unfolds with the current Spartans ranked in the top 10, eyes are already turning to 2026. Tom Izzo has assembled a group that could define his legacy’s next chapter. Go Green!
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