Ethan Taylor Boosts MSU to No. 1 Recruiting Class

Michigan State Lands Five-Star Center Ethan Taylor

In a major victory for Tom Izzo's program, seven-foot center Ethan Taylor committed to Michigan State basketball on November 14, 2025. The five-star prospect from Link Academy finalized his decision during the early signing period, choosing the Spartans over powerhouse programs like Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Oregon.

Taylor, ranked as the nation's No. 2 prospect at his position and No. 23 overall in the 2026 class according to 247Sports Composite, immediately elevated Michigan State's recruiting class to the top spot nationally. His addition completes a four-man 2026 class that also includes four-star recruits Jasiah Jervis (No. 38 overall), Carlos Medlock Jr. (No. 66 overall), and Julius Avent (No. 92 overall).

Taylor's Impact and Skills

The 7-foot-1, 244-pound center brings elite physical attributes to East Lansing. Taylor averaged 14 points on 70.3% shooting with 10.1 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game during his junior season at Shawnee Mission Northwest. His combination of size, mobility, and rim protection addresses critical needs for the Spartans.

"I'm gonna come in Day 1 and hit the ground running. I'm gonna work my butt off and do anything it takes to win."

Taylor emphasized his work ethic during his announcement, telling fans to expect a relentless competitor. His commitment was significantly influenced by the electric atmosphere during his October visit to campus, where he experienced the passionate Izzone fanbase firsthand.

Complementary Recruiting Class

While Taylor headlines the class, Izzo secured elite talent across multiple positions:

• Jasiah Jervis: A 6-4 sharpshooting guard ranked No. 3 nationally among shooting guards. Izzo compares him to Gary Harris for his two-way prowess.
• Carlos Medlock Jr.: A lightning-quick 5-11 point guard with "electrifying speed" reminiscent of Kalin Lucas.
• Julius Avent: A versatile 6-7 forward with a strong basketball pedigree – his father Anthony Avent was a first-round NBA draft pick.

Historic Achievement for Izzo

This class marks Izzo's highest-rated recruiting haul ever in his 31-year tenure at Michigan State. It surpasses the program's 2023 class (ranked No. 3 nationally) and represents the first time the Spartans have secured the top recruiting class since 2016, which featured future NBA stars Miles Bridges and Cassius Winston.

As five players graduate this season, Izzo now has a perfect opportunity to integrate these talented freshmen. With the 17th-ranked Spartans preparing for a Champions Classic matchup against Kentucky on November 19, the future looks exceptionally bright in East Lansing.