After finalizing his 2025 recruiting class earlier this month, Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith quickly shifted focus to the 2026 cycle.
Since the start of 2025, Smith has secured four commitments for his 2026 class, with the most recent coming on Wednesday night from three-star offensive tackle Eli Bickel of North Branch, Mich. Bickel ranks as the No. 46 offensive tackle and No. 601 overall recruit, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.
Bickel becomes the first offensive tackle of the class and the fourth overall commitment, pushing Michigan State’s class up to No. 37 nationally.
He joins three-star quarterback Kayd Coffman, three-star athlete Joey Caudill, and four-star tight end Eddie Whiting as the fourth member of the Spartans’ 2026 class, all of whom are projected to play on the offensive side of the ball. Securing the quarterback and leader of the class early is crucial, as is adding key offensive pieces around him.
Now, Smith and his staff will turn their attention to bolstering the defense, adding at least a few receivers, and further strengthening the offensive line. They’re also eyeing some promising running backs.
Smith’s first recruiting class was limited due to only having two months to rebuild it, and his second was somewhat underwhelming. However, this third class could show that he’s the right man for the job. He’s off to a strong start, and now it’s all about keeping the momentum going.
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