Michigan State is one of the 10 finalists for linebacker Nick Abrams II of McDonogh School in Maryland, who is part of the 2026 recruiting class.
The prospect revealed his list of finalists on social media Thursday.
Other competing schools include Michigan, Oregon, Penn State, Texas A&M, Georgia, Alabama, Vanderbilt, USC, and Duke.
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, Abrams is ranked as the No. 247 overall player in the 2026 class and the No. 18 linebacker. He is also considered the No. 6 recruit in Maryland, a state known for its strong class.
Michigan State is prioritizing Abrams as a top target due to his athleticism and well-rounded defensive skills. With significant potential, he could make an immediate impact.
Abrams possesses the ideal frame for defensive coordinator Joe Rossi’s system, which favors athleticism and fluidity.
Rossi said, “Long, athletic, and smart. That’s what we look for… if a player is 6-foot and runs a 4.4, that’s great. But if they run a low 4.8, they better be 6-foot-3 and a half. The ideal traits are length, athleticism, and intelligence, though not necessarily in that order.”
Abrams stands out for his football IQ and his exceptional ability in coverage, making him a highly sought-after recruit. Michigan State’s defense utilizes multiple formations, with the Mike linebacker playing a crucial role.
Rossi explained, “Mike linebackers need leadership qualities and must be comfortable in space. In a 3-by-1 formation, the Mike often ends up out of the box, so they need to be able to stop the run and be versatile in coverage. It’s not always about man-to-man coverage, but being able to play effectively in space. This will be an important factor for us at that position.”
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